The Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has said that it is time that the Taoiseach faced him in a proper live televised debate.

Deputy Martin said claims made about the Fianna Fáil party last week are "tired, inaccurate and clichéd".

He also said that Mr Kenny has been marked by his continued refusal to engage in an open, honest conversation.

His comments follow the Taoiseach's Ard Fheis speech in Castlebar last night which included promises of 500 new nursing positions and a drop in emigration.

However, Mr Martin says these promises won't tackle the debacle in the health system.

He said: "In terms of health he only gave two sentences to it in his Ard Fheis speech, whereas as we know before the General Election he promised free universal healthcare to the public. What we've had instead is a complete debacle.

"I think it's time that he faced his political opponents in a one-to-one debate and I challenge him to that debate to take on the unfounded attacks that he has placed on the Fianna Fáil party and make him account for the broken promises."