Holidaymakers are being warned to check their passports are in date as soon as possible as sheer demand has led to longer processing times for the essential documents.

GOVERNMENT representatives were last night said to be tabling proposals on the reform of public sector pensions before the talks with the unions move on to the key issue of how reforms will be measured, and the system for the reversal of recent public sector wage cuts.

CIVIL servants at the Dublin Passport Office will strike if the Government carries out a threat to dock the pay of those involved in industrial action.