Taoiseach worried about pay deal talks
The Taoiseach has said that he is worried and pessimistic about the future of talks on a new national pay deal.
In addition, Mr Ahern said that he will not become directly involved in any attempt to rescue the talks yet.
Speaking this afternoon, he made it clear that the pay deals could not be a "free for all" considering the difficult national and international economic environments.
It is thought that government officials will continue to contact all sides this week to further the pay talks.
Furthermore, the Taoiseach has not ruled out his involvement if the talks collapse completely.
