Talks underway between Govt and social partners

The first session of full-scale talks on where to make cuts to public expenditure is getting underway in Government buildings.

This follows ICTU’s acceptance earlier today of a framework document for the negotiations.

The framework says Ireland faces a 10% reduction in national income over the coming years and that unemployment will hit 10% this year.

It includes a commitment to re-prioritise capital spending on labour-intensive activities and says any changes to the tax system will target those on higher incomes.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael deputies are angry that the framework document which was given to the social partners hasn't been shown to them.

Earlier in the Dáil, party leader Enda Kenny said members of the opposition are being forced to operate in the dark and the lack of information has made the Dáil debate on the economy a farce.

Fine Gael's Enterprise Spokesperson, Leo Varadkar, said that the Government isn't serious about involving the opposition in efforts to deal with the economic crisis.