The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste met this morning with representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to discuss the Book of Estimates and its implications for the forthcoming December Budget.
A general discussion on the Estimates, announced last week by Minister for Finance Mr Charlie McCreevy, took place with the ICTU describing the mood at the meeting as "serious".
Congress outlined its position on a new social partnership agreement and Congress President Mr Joe O'Toole emphasised the importance of the Government getting the Budget right if a new partnership deal was to be agreed.
It is understood the Taoiseach confirmed his commitment to the partnership process but restated the serious nature of Ireland's prevailing economic circumstances.
Talks on a new national partnership agreement formally started earlier this month with representatives of unions, business, farm, community and voluntary sectors stating their priorities for a new deal.
The current Partnership Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF) three-year deal expires early next year.