The Taoiseach has intervened in the deadlocked talks on a new National Partnership Agreement.
Earlier this evening Mr Ahern, the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, and the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Michael Martin, met a union delegation to discuss outstanding obstacles to reaching a deal.
Employers and unions have so far been unable to resolve their differences, particularly on the crucial issue of pay.
The three government members are understood to be meeting the employers' group at present.
The unions are expected to brief the ICTU executive council at 9.30pm.
Employers and unions have so far been unable to resolve their differences, particularly on the crucial issue of pay.
Earlier today the Director General of IBEC, Turlough O'Sullivan, said the employers' group was prepared to show some flexibility on wage increases.
However, Mr O'Sullivan said employers remain opposed to any element of local bargaining in a national agreement and to flat rate increases for the lower paid.
The President of the ICTU, Peter McLoone, warned that if employers and unions cannot resolve their difficulties over pay, hopes for a new national partnership agreement would rapidly disappear.
