The Government will prioritise tax cuts in the next budget to those earning between €30,000 and €70,000.

The Taoiseach confirmed the plan this morning at a jobs announcement in Longford.

Enda Kenny says these earners are the "hard-pressed middle" and will be the focus of Government help in the budget.

"Whatever tax-reduction capacity the Government has as we prepare for the budget for 2016 will be based on giving priority to those between €30,000 and €70,000," he said.

However, Mr Kenny also warned any changes would be "within safe parameters", so people would not be asked to pay for "promises we can’t keep in terms of taxation for years ahead".