Taoiseach: 'Social partnership talks won’t be concluded by Easter'
The Taoiseach said this afternoon that talks on a new social partnership agreement would not be concluded by Easter as originally planned.
Bertie Ahern told the Dáil that a number of issues on employment rights were taking longer to get agreement on than had been expected.
Reacting to questions from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Mr Ahern said a ten year social partnership accord could be a reality at some stage in the future.
“We should consider agreeing a ten year framework for the social partnership process so that it can be aligned to and contribute to the development and implementation in the longer term agenda,” the Taoiseach said.
“The continuity and momentum of such a longer term agreement would itself I think make for a greater degree of confidence in delivery.
“A longer term permanent approach will be accompanied of course by specific pay agreements. Pay agreements would form part of the overall context.
