Union leaders and employers’ representatives have met at Government Buildings for partnership talks to try to agree an economic recovery deal.
Larry Broderick of the IBOA said the sides were considerably apart, but he said they hoped to consider a draft of a deal on pay, employment protection, pension reforms and managing change before the end of the day.
However, John Douglas of Mandate said the prospects of securing a deal were currently 50/50.
He said he was not sure it would be wise for unions to engage in a deal this side of the budget and said unions would want to see the colour of their money first.
However, IBEC Director General Turlough O'Sullivan said he hoped there would be a deal before the Budget.
He also said social welfare rates needed to be cut.
Mr O’Sullivan said Irish welfare rates are greatly more attractive than in other countries and it was impossible for the Government to maintain the current high levels of benefits.
