Hopes raised for breakthrough on public sector pay

Hopes for agreement on the Croke Park II package of public sector pay cuts were revived yesterday as last-minute talks continued with unions.

It is understood agreement has been reached in principle with garda groups.

Talks chairman Kieran Mulvey of the Labour Relations Commission is to brief Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin today on the outcome of weekend meetings amid speculation that sufficient progress has been made to warrant an extension for more talks.