SIPTU at LRC for Irish Ferries talks but 'day of protest' still set to go ahead

SIPTU has arrived at the Labour Relations Commission for talks in the Irish Ferries dispute.

It follows recommendations by the National Implementation Body aimed at resolving the deadlock which has stranded the company's vessels in port.

The row centres on ships officers who refuse to accept redundancy and enable agency crews to take over.

On his way into the talks SIPTU's Paul Smith said Friday's planned nationwide protest is still going ahead.

He said the main obstacle to resolving the dispute will be the Irish Ferries plans to reflag its ships.

However, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that there is now a basis for meaningful negotiation in the Irish Ferries dispute.

Mr Ahern said he and his officials spent most of the weekend in discussions with the social partners on the issue.