Talks on recovery plan suspended until after Budget

Talks among the social partners on a national economic recovery plan have been suspended until this afternoon's Budget is revealed.

Employers had been hoping for an agreement before Finance Minister Brian Lenihan unveils his

Budget today.

However, the unions are anxious to see the extent of the Government's planned spending cuts and tax increases before signing up to any deal.

The two sides have been in fresh talks with government officials for the past two weeks in an effort to agree a strategy for restoring stability and growth to the Irish economy in the coming years.

In a statement last night, the Government said progress was being made and all sides had agreed to resume discussions after they have an opportunity to digest the measures contained in the Budget.