Taoiseach to address ICTU conference in Co Donegal

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to address the biennial conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in Co Donegal this morning.

The speech comes as unions express growing concern about Ireland's high inflation rate, which has been hovering the 5% for several months.

Some unions have said they may seek extra pay increases in the Towards 2016 deal to with rising prices, while ICTU has also been calling for action to help home-owners facing spiralling mortgage interest rates.

Elsewhere, Mr Ahern is also expected to address issues like job security, problems in the health service and the Government's stance on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

ICTU president Peter McLoone has threatened to campaign against the new EU treaty if it includes an Irish opt-out from the charter.