He refused an emergency debate on the issue but told Michael Moynihan (FF, Cork North-West) who asked when legislation would be introduced to cut public sector wages that "the unions have made their decision".

“I am disappointed that it was not approved but the Government must now consider the outcome and nature of the ballot and how we intend to deal with the requirement to achieve €300 million in savings this year,” he added.

Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh called for a debate today after the final outcome is announced by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Mr Kenny said however that he did not propose to hold an emergency debate. The Government “will obviously have to reflect on the outcome of the ballot once it is announced”.

The Government has consistently said it would have to legislate to cut public sector salaries if unions did not accept the revised Croke Park deal.

Mr Kenny did not refer to such legislation but said the Government would have to “consider the nature of that result and to deal with it because we have to find €300 million in savings this year”.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath added his voice to the calls for a debate on the Croke Park ballot. He said a proper debate was necessary on where to find the savings.

The Taoiseach insisted however that it was necessary for the Government to “make decisions to find €300 million in savings this year. This is fundamental to the figures we set out for the budget this year.”