Time running out for agreement with unions, warns Cowen

24/11/2009 - 15:10:33
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said today that time is limited for Government and public-sector unions to do a deal before the Budget.

Talks will resume tomorrow after today's national strike, but another stoppage is likely on December 3.

Cowen told the Dáil that he hopes the talks can reach a deal.

“I believe those discussions are being entered into in good faith,” he said. “There is an understanding and recognition of the Government’s position in terms of the financial realities we have to deal with, and obviously one has limited time available in which to see whether the basis of an agreement is possible or not.

“The Government have decisions to take, at the latest on December 9 next.”

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