Govt to announce outcome of union talks

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the Finance Minister Brian Lenihan are to hold a press conference at Government Buildings shortly to announce whether or not the talks with public sector unions have resulted in an acceptable agreement.

Union leaders say they have put a deal on the table to reform the public service and cut €1.3bn off the civil service pay bill and it's now up to the Government to accept it or not.

Public sector unions want to avoid paycuts in next week's Budget, but it is unclear if the measures they are suggesting will reach the full €1.3bn the Government wants to save.

Speaking on his way back into Government Buildings to meet with officials, IMPACT boss Peter McLoone said "the ball is in the Government's court".