The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin has said he is confident the Government and unions can achieve a deal on the Croke Park extension that is acceptable to everyone.
Mr Howlin was speaking after 4,000 front line civil servants attended a rally in Dublin last night against any move to cut their pay.
Speaking on his way into Government Buildings this morning, Minister Howlin said his one objective is for an agreement to be reached that ensures everyone carries some of the burden.
He also said he remains confident a deal can be reached, despite opposition from frontline workers.
Mr Howlin said: "It is to be involved, to argue tyour case around the table.
"To argue trenchantly your case, you put it on the table among your peers and hopefully a conclusion will be arrived at that might not be want you want in the round but will be acceptable to everybody and that is what we are working towards.
"I am confident that is what we can achieve."