A manager at a piped gas system firm who was sacked after allegedly falsifying timesheets has been awarded €25,000 for his unfair dismissal.

Talks at the Labour Relations Commission on a cost-cutting deal for Irish Ferries have concluded with an agreement to recommence talks next week.

The €3.4m cost cutting plan at Irish Ferries is the subject of talks at the Labour Relations Commission today.

Pat Delaney, Director of the Small Firms Association, has warned of a clear and present danger to Ireland's small exporters, if cancellations of ferry services escalate further.

Irish Ferries has confirmed that 450 crew members have been laid off on the three services that were suspended yesterday.