Public sector strike action could yet be avoided, says Simon Harris

"Strike action has real consequences," said Tánaiste Simon Harris, adding that intensive engagement between Government and public sector unions is now needed. 

Simon Harris at the Fine Gael ard fheis in Cork. The Tánaiste is looking to prevent public sector strikes ahead of the the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Dublin on Thursday. Picture: Chani Anderson

A “new and significantly improved offer” has been made to trade unions, and there is now a “window” to avert strikes on Thursday, Tánaiste Simon Harris has said.

It comes as talks between the unions and the Government-appointed groups ended before lunch yesterday, with expectations at one point being that the talks would collapse completely.