Taoiseach Enda Kenny discussed quantitative easing (QE) in the euro zone moments before the European Central Bank (ECB) made its historic announcement.

He began by telling Bloomberg that he had not been briefed on the ECB's decision - and that he had been relying on the same media speculation as everyone else.

While not specifically commenting on the use of QE - he said that would support any move by the independent central bank that would help it to fulfill its mandate of bringing price stability to the euro zone, with inflation of close to 2 percent.

He later took to Twitter to welcome the news.

Today's #QE announcement by ECB good for European stability and Irish jobs. #wef15 pic.twitter.com/BdOWQSMT0Q

— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) January 22, 2015

Mr Kenny pointed out that Ireland has been benefiting from the falling value of the euro, saying that it "has proven to be very positive for Ireland - in terms of jobs - in terms of what we offer." He continued to say that he would welcome a further weakening of the currency, as it would help Irish exporters and the country's tourism and hospitality industry.

He also addressed the Central Bank's proposed mortgage restrictions - saying that the Government has made it clear that it has reservations about the policy, and that it would not support a policy that favoured only "wealthy people, and children of wealthy people."

Mr Kenny refused to be drawn on whether the Government would lift its salary cap when recruiting a new AIB chief executive and expressed his confidence that the EU's investigation into Apple's tax deal in Ireland will find no wrongdoing.