No new social partnership talks, says Cowen

The Taoiseach today ruled out an early return to social partnership talks despite unions threatening a massive national strike next month.

Brian Cowen also stood firm on the introduction of the controversial pension levy, which is expected to pass its final stages in the Dáil tonight.

Opposition parties accused the Taoiseach of putting the country's reputation on the line by refusing to amend the legislation or open new talks with unions.

"I don't believe industrial relations strife or strikes will contribute very much - nothing in fact - towards trying to address the problems that we have," said Mr Cowen.

"I recognise in a democratic society the right of any person to withdraw their labour or to protest but the fact of the matter is it doesn't add to the situation unfortunately to any great extent."

Ireland could be paralysed by a one-day ICTU-organised national strike on March 30.

Congress, which represents around 55 unions, said it was advising action because the Government, business leaders organisation IBEC, and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) had walked away from a national pay agreement reached five months ago.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore told the Dáil the country is facing into a spate of unprecedented strikes over coming days and weeks.

"The anger that is being felt by these workers is understandable," he added. "The last thing we need now is a period of industrial unrest and of strikes.

"The way to avoid them is to talk and get agreement on the issues that are of concern to people."

A broad policy framework was agreed between the Government and the social partners in late January but unions refused to agree to the pension levy and walked out of talks.

Mr Gilmore added: "This country's reputation is on the line. In addition to all the things out there that are damaging our international reputation, the last thing we need is that Ireland is closed down or is on strike."

Talks to prevent a bus strike on one of the country's biggest sporting days - Ireland v England rugby Six Nations in Croke Park - began today while low paid civil servants are planning to walk out tomorrow.

Mr Cowen faced further calls to make last-minute adjustments on the pension levy legislation to make it more equitable.

Mr Cowen said: "The partnership process has much to contribute in the context of the economic and financial crisis that confronts us."

He added: "While I remain available for dialogue with the social partners, I believe the basis for the resumption of formal negotiations has not been established at this time.

"But I will continue to be available for that dialogue."

He told TDs they would have to adjust the public finances in a fair and equitable way and the pension levy was the first step in this process.

However, Mr Gilmore added: "One minute you say you are open for talks and the next minute you can't resist the temptation to come in, roll up your sleeves and show what a strong man you are."