IBEC says deal can be reached in partnership talks

The employers' body IBEC says it believes agreement can be reached among the social partners on an economic recovery plan.

The organisation is holding preliminary talks with government officials today after being invited back into talks on a recovery deal that collapsed earlier this year.

The trade unions have also agreed to re-enter the talks and have cancelled a national day of protest that was being planned for next Monday.

IBEC says it is crucial that any recovery plan protects jobs and reduces the cost of the public service.