Govt 'prepared to set deals with individual unions'

The Government has said it is prepared to reach agreement with individual trade unions, if there is no collective deal on Croke Park 2.

The Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin briefed the Cabinet this morning on the progress of the efforts to resume negotiations.

In a statement, the Government said it welcomes the significant progress the Labour Relations Commission Chief Executive, Kieran Mulvey, is making.

Mr Mulvey has been given more time to continue his discussions with unions who have yet to reach an outline agreement.

However officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will continue drafting legislation as a contingency measure.