Howlin 'wants to starts public-pay talks in spring'

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has said he wants to open discussions about public sector pay in the spring.

Minister Howlin said it was time to look beyond the Haddington Road agreement which expires next year.

He said that depending on the state finances, he hoped to engage with unions to wind down the emergency measures which govern public pay, and added this could take place as soon as the second quarter to give clarity for the years ahead.

"I'm talking about opening discussion s at that stage," he said.