Government & union talks continue

Talks between Union Leaders and Government officials on public sector cuts continue today.

The latest exchequer figures hang heavy over the discussions with new figures confirming a two billion euro shortfall in taxes.

It means the Government will be forced to borrow 22-billion euro this year to run the country.

Labour Affairs Minister Dara Colleary says the fact that talks are continuing is a good sign.

“I think that the fact the talks are going on again today shows there is room there for discussion on it” he said.

“This’ll be the fourth day of these talks and they’re due to go on again tomorrow I understand”.

“Clearly there is some sort of room for discussion and for ideas on the table, but I think as we saw yesterday in the various correspondents from union officials it can’t be painless either – but if it can be done by some share of agreement that pain will be a lot easier to bare” he added.