IBEC 'not optimistic' about partnership talks

The employers' body IBEC has said it does not expect any forward movement in talks with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions which were reconvened today.

The social partnership talks collapsed before Christmas due to the failure to narrow the gap between the two sides' positions.

Speaking as he entered today's meeting in government buildings, IBEC director-general Turlough O'Sullivan said: "I'm not optimistic.

"We have very significant gaps still to bridge and it just remains to be seen if we can do that. At this moment, I'm not optimistic."