Social partnership talks conclude

Direct talks between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the employers' group IBEC on a national economic recovery plan have concluded for the evening.

The negotiations follow separate briefings for both sides from Government officials today on the current budgetary position.

The Finance Minister Brian Lenihan will deliver an emergency Budget on Tuesday amid the worsening state of the public finances.

Leaving Government Buildings this evening, the SIPTU president Jack O'Connor said the talking will have to continue.