03/02/2009
Taoiseach To Address Daíl On Talks Breakdown
After the collapse of talks between social partners early today, the Irish Premier, Brian Cowen is addressing the Daíl on the issue this afternoon.
Mr Cowen is giving a 10 minute address after it emerged this morning that crucial talks on the Government deficit involving employment and union leaders broke down this morning without agreement.
Trade unions said they could not accept government plans to introduce a pension levy on low and middle-income public servants as part of efforts to plug the massive £2 billion deficit in the public finances.
Mr Cowen will make a statement on the matter in the Dail at 4pm, with the opposition parties given 10 minutes each to respond to the statement.
This morning, Mr Cowen expressed regret it was not possible for the unions to agree the proposals for the reduction in the public service pay roll presented yesterday evening.
However, it is believed the Government are controversially planning to progress with the proposals without agreement from the social partners.
In a statement today, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said she said she did not think that the collapse of the talks heralded the end of social partnership.
"We can all appreciate that people are finding it difficult to bring their own people with them," she said.
Ms Coughlan said that it would be inappropriate for her to apportion blame for the breakdown of the talks.
She said that "people were not in a position to go as far as anticipated or expected".
(DW/BMcC)
Mr Cowen is giving a 10 minute address after it emerged this morning that crucial talks on the Government deficit involving employment and union leaders broke down this morning without agreement.
Trade unions said they could not accept government plans to introduce a pension levy on low and middle-income public servants as part of efforts to plug the massive £2 billion deficit in the public finances.
Mr Cowen will make a statement on the matter in the Dail at 4pm, with the opposition parties given 10 minutes each to respond to the statement.
This morning, Mr Cowen expressed regret it was not possible for the unions to agree the proposals for the reduction in the public service pay roll presented yesterday evening.
However, it is believed the Government are controversially planning to progress with the proposals without agreement from the social partners.
In a statement today, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said she said she did not think that the collapse of the talks heralded the end of social partnership.
"We can all appreciate that people are finding it difficult to bring their own people with them," she said.
Ms Coughlan said that it would be inappropriate for her to apportion blame for the breakdown of the talks.
She said that "people were not in a position to go as far as anticipated or expected".
(DW/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.