A Mayo TD has criticised Government for failing to introduce cost saving reforms in the public service - after it emerged just 1 out of 800 allowances to existing public servants will be cut.

Yesterday, the Government admitted to backing down on cutting €75 million in public service allowances over fears it might imperil the Croke Park agreement.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin acknowledged yesterday the Government would fail to meet its target, with only €3.5 million due to be saved this year.

Sinn Fein's Mary Lou Mc Donald said if the government was serious about making savings it would target excessive pay at the top of the public sector.

While Fianna Fail descibed it as "a stunning example of the government's litany of broken promises".

The party's Spokesperson on Jobs, Mayo TD Dara Calleary says the government will have to find the savings elsewhere...