FÁS relocation dispute likely to escalate

TALKS aimed at resolving the bitter row over decentralisation of State training agency FÁS broke down yesterday at the Labour Relations Commission.

The collapse, after three hours of talks in Dublin, leaves the way open for an escalation of the dispute as top SIPTU officials will consider strategy at their meeting today.

SIPTU regional secretary Patricia King blamed intransigence by the Department of Finance - which is driving the decentralisation plan - for the latest breakdown.