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.