Public service pay talks to 'intensify' in next fortnight

Michael McGrath, the public expenditure minister, says negotiations will be 'difficult' given the backdrop of very high inflation. Picture: Damien Storan

Talks aimed at finalising a new public service pay agreement are expected to “intensify” over the next fortnight as the Government seeks to nail a deal down in advance of the next budget.

Wednesday morning saw the first formal discussions between unions and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) after weeks of shadow boxing about what shape a new deal would take.