Following the release of Budget 15 yesterday, various Ministers have been discussing their respective briefs and the impact this will have on the public.
This morning, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, spoke to Pat Kenny about how the Budget affected her particular portfolio.
Burton stated on the Budget itself: "It's a government budget which reflects the priorities of both parties."
She continued: "The more people we get back to work, the more pressure gets off social welfare so we can focus on elderly & people with disability."
On the subject of the water charges, Joan commented: "We live in a country where we have some very difficult situations. Councils are acknowledging there is lead in the pipes. People have been on boil water notices. That is outrageous. That is something that is going to change."
She also stated we now have a National Water company that has two main tasks: "They have two jobs, to make the water good and safe. Secondly, we need more water in order to build business.
""People have a range of views. I understand the strong feelings. With respect to them, there is a bigger picture in regard to our water structure."
She also clarified the point she made on the cameras being used to film water charge protests: "I'm delighted to see people using phones and video phones. I use them myself. I am a keen photographer."
When asked if the Government should have abolished the water charges, Joan replied: "I personally think they would have made the wrong decision. I would say if we have an option to do this off the nation balance sheet, we're concentrating on getting people back to work. We can't do that and pay for Irish Water at the same time."
Here is her interview in full: