Management and unions at the ESB will begin talks at the Labour Relations Commission later in an effort to avert strike action and power outages in the run-up to Christmas.

The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has said the issue of public sector allowances should be part of the negotiations on a new Croke Park Agreement.

The Communications and Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has said he would feel "very badly" if his colleague Willie Penrose decides to resign.