Partnership talks to resume today
Renewed attempts to broker a national pay deal will be made later today.
Parties failed to make progress in talks last week, and it is understood that employers, unions and Government officials were unable to bridge the gap on a number of issues.
These include pay, pensions and measures to avoid exploitation of workers.
Talks should have begun last November, but were delayed because of the Irish Ferries crisis.
Talks began in early February but a deadlock ensued over measures sought by ICTU to underpin employment standards.
A package was finally agreed last month but this will only take effect if a pay deal can be agreed.
While no figures have been formally tabled at the talks, unions are likely to hold out for an increase of at least 5% in 2006.
Talks are set to reconvene at 2pm.
