The Fianna Fáil leader has said his party will not be bringing down the minority Government over this year's Budget.

Micheál Martin was speaking at the beginning of the party's 'think-in', which is taking place in Carlow for two days.

Deputy Martin says his party will be seeking improvements in the old age pension and education services in the Budget.

He also expects to have sight of the Budget before it is announced on October 11th, and his party will have a major input into the measures.

He explained: "We're not in Government, we're not the executive - we're in opposition.

"But within the confidence and supply agreement, there is a clear commitment that there will be no surprises. You can draw your own conclusions from that."

However, Mr Martin also criticised the Government during the event today.

He told colleagues that "the new Government has been out of touch and reactive on a range of essential issues".

"A rising climate of industrial disputes has been met with near complete indifference from ministers," he argued.

"The lack of preparation for the recent Apple tax judgement involved an issue with profound implications for employment and public revenue."

The party also confirmed it will not support a Sinn Féin motion in the Dáil next week to scrap water charges - despite it being party policy.

Deputy Martin has accused Sinn Féin of "play acting" with a motion when the Dáil returns next week, saying that only Government legislation can end the charges.