Ahern 'optimistic' about new national deal

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has told the Dáil that he is optimistic about the prospects for a new social partnership deal to replace the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Mr Ahern was responding to worries about the possibility of a deal in light of the recent round of government cutbacks and calls from employers for a six-month pay-freeze.