IMPACT expect Croke Park negotiations in 2013

The union that represents many of the lowest paid public service workers says they expect to enter into talks on a new Croke Park deal next year.

IMPACT says it doesn't expect negotiations prior to that, despite noises from the Transport Minister Leo Varadkar, who said that if a new deal could be thrashed out with unions before 2014, then it should be implemented.

The union's stance would seem to be supported by comments from the Taoiseach, as yesterday he said the agreement will remain as it is until it expires in 2014.

Information Officer with IMPACT Bernard Harbour says it will be next year before all sides sit down for talks: "There has been some very mixed messages from ministers over the weekend and I think its welcome that the Taoiseach cleared this up.

"In fairness to the government parties, they went to the electorate on a platform of supporting Croke Park once it delivered.

"That's what it's doing so what's now being talked about is what comes next. I believe there will be negotiations next year."