Mixed response to Government deal from public sector unions

The standing committee of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland is meeting this afternoon to consider the proposed public sector agreement.

While the committee does not have the power to call on teachers to reject or accept the deal - it can express an opinion.

The Teachers' Union of Ireland said they were recommending their members to reject the deal.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Executive Union is recommending that its members vote in favour of the proposed agreement.

The union, which represents about 10,000 mid-ranking staff in executive grades will still have to ballot its members.