The Tanaiste says now that Ireland is exiting the troika bailout deal the next target of government is full employment. Eamon Gilmore says the plan will be ambitious but he believes it will be achievable over a number of years.

He says the top priority for the coalition is job creation and getting people back to work.

And he says reaching a level of full employment or an unemployment rate below 6%- from the current 12.8% is the main target.

The Minister for Finance says Ireland will still have to impose tough austerity measures even though the Troika is leaving.

Michael Noonan says the Irish budget deficit remains too high and that more efforts are needed to bridge the gap between income and spending.

Ministers Howlin & Noonan share a lighter moment today

He has admitted that not much will change next Monday when the Troika gives up its role managing Iirsh economic affairs.

Minister Noonan says the Irish people are the heroes of the recovery, but says the hard work is not done yet.

Meanwhile the Social Protection minister has said some elements of the Troika demanded blanket welfare cuts early in Ireland's bailout.

Joan Burton says she had to work hard to convince the Troika about the benefits of maintaining welfare spending.

Minister Burton says her dealings with the Troika were tough at times.

Earlier the Finance Minister Michael Noonan told Newstalk Breakfast what the end of the bailout means.

Authorities in Europe are keen to put across the idea that Ireland is the poster child for European austerity making tough but firm budget choices to revive the economy and get people back to work.