Pay talks still underway at Government Buildings

Pay talks are underway this afternoon at Government Buildings in Dublin.

Hopes are not high for a breakthrough but the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today urged unions and employers to move from their current deadlocked positions.

Mr Ahern said there was 90% agreement on employment protection measures.

However, the main sticking points are pay, the amount of increase, the duration of any deal and provisions for the lower paid.

Speaking on his way into the talks, President of ICTU, Peter McLoone said he was still hopeful.

Turlough O'Sullivan of employers’ body, IBEC also expressed hope a deal can be done if both parties are flexible.