Varadkar admits wage reform will need 'some sort of compromise'

The Tourism Minister Leo Vardakar has said he backs his Cabinet colleague Richard Bruton's proposals to reform wage agreements, but admits a compromise will have to be reached.

The Cabinet is expected to try and reach a deal next week on reform of Sunday premium and other overtime payments.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has brought forward proposals, but they go further than Labour Ministers are willing to go.

Minister Leo Vardakar said he backs the proposals as outlined by Richard Bruton.

Mr Varadkar said: "It is important to point out that what Richard Bruton is proposing is not the Sunday premiums get abolished altogether, he is proposing that the same rights that apply to all other workers on Sundays should be applied.

"I agree with his proposals. It is the Government that is going to make the decision. It is a very detailed area and there will have to be some sort of compromise on the final proposals."

"I think there is absolute agreement at Government level that the JLC system and the ERO system needs to be reformed and reformed radically."