Breakthrough in BoI pensions row

There has been a breakthrough in the pensions dispute between Bank of Ireland and one of its unions.

Both sides have this afternoon agreed to a Labour Court hearing to resolve the outstanding issues.

Amicus trade union - which represents 500 staff - has agreed not to take any further industrial action until the hearing, to be scheduled next week.

The bank's main union - the IBOA - has already been to the Labour Court over the pensions row, and is now awaiting recommendations.

Amicus Spokesperson Colm Quinlan said this afternoon’s development was a positive one.

“We've put the negotiation process back on track,” he said.

“We'll be attending a formal hearing of the Labour Court - both sides will submit written submissions, the court will consider those submissions and issue recommendations.”