Coalition ministers clash over wage agreement changes

SENIOR ministers from Fine Gael and Labour have clashed over the impact that proposed changes to wage agreements would have on the social welfare bill.

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton faced down coalition partners by insisting changes to rules governing overtime and Sunday pay would lead to a reduction in the welfare bill by taking more people off the Live Register.

Labour ministers believe reform could lead to pressure on the social welfare bill by pushing more families into the poverty line.