Real Pay Negotiations Unlikely Before Easter: Ahern

The Taoiseach has predicted that it would probably be after Easter before the Government gets into substantive negotiations on pay.

Mr Ahern said today: "I've been involved in this process for over 20 years and it's always a little bit protracted. I wouldn't be expecting a quick breakthrough," he said.

He also urged unions to be realistic about wage demands as he began the difficult task of brokering consensus with employers, even though, last year, he was forced to defer a heavily-criticised €38,000 salary hike - making him one of the best-paid world leaders.

He was speaking as round-table discussions with the social partners on the Towards 2016 national pay agreement opened at Dublin Castle.

However, unions have warned that wage rises must be in line with cost of living increases and also want to prioritise comprehensive employment rights.

Unions are also still angry after last month's independent benchmarking body recommended little or no pay rises for their workers.

Increases were earmarked for just 15 of the 109 grades examined by the Public Service Benchmarking Body.

In spite of this, Bertie Ahern said: "We have to be realistic on pay. The big issue for us is to keep Ireland competitive. Our products and services must be exported at competitive prices to retain market share."

Tánaiste and Finance Minister Brian Cowen, who also attended today’s talks, said export-led economic growth was the way forward.

"We're in a situation where the economic climate is changing all the time in terms of international markets," he explained.

However, the union, Siptu said Ireland was only the ninth most costly business environment in the euro zone and Irish workers were among the most productive in the world.

General Secretary Jack O’Connor also called for workers to be provided with more skills training.

(BMcC)