The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has signalled the government will not attempt to buy the next election with a giveaway budget in October.

Mr Kenny has opened the National Economic Dialogue this morning.

The coalition has brought in opposition, business and society groups to discuss priorities for Budget 2016.

They are insisting it is not a return to social partnership, which the Taoiseach described as a "closed shop".

Mr Kenny says the coalition will be responsible and restrict tax cuts and spending rises in the budget to €1.5bn.

Representatives of the Diaspora and academics are also also attending the conference at Dublin Castle.

Ahead of the gathering, IBEC have been calling for reform to bring income tax levels in line with competing economies.

CEO of IBEC Danny McCoy will be there and he says the government must introduce major tax reform.

Meanwhile Social Justice Ireland are stressing the need for a long-term approach to foster social and economic returns.

Father Sean Healy is director of Social Justice Ireland.

He told Newstalk Breakfast invest should be made, instead of cutting taxes.