Reilly faces unions battle over Croke Park review

Health Minister James Reilly has set himself on course for a battle with trade unions after declaring that the Croke Park Agreement needs to be renegotiated.

He said the bulk of his budget was made up of pay and he had exhausted all measures designed to save money.

Dr Reilly said the health budget would have to deliver €700m in additional savings next year and this would be impossible without looking at labour costs.