The Government is being criticised over a possible increase in public sector wages.

Sinn Féin says the Government should improve public services and get rid of the water charge, instead of bringing in pay hikes for 290,000 public sector workers.

According to the Sunday Independent, the pay sanctions are expected to be approved before the Dáil breaks for the summer, prompting accusations of 'vote-buying.'

The increases are reportedly just the first in a round of pay hikes for public sector workers, whose pay stands at 14 per cent below a Celtic Tiger high.

If the proposal gets the rubber stamp in time, public servants could see an increase in their pay packets by the end of the year.

The paper is also reporting that the Government is planning a package of spending measures and tax cuts worth €1.5bn. The top rate of income tax could be reduced as well as changes to the Universal Social Charge.

Pay talks with unions will likely be announced by Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin as the government delivers its 'Spring statement' on the economy on Tuesday. 

Sinn Féin is accusing the Coalition of 'auction politics' ahead of the next general election.

Senator for the party David Cullinane says public services such as health and education should be funded first: