There is growing confidence that agreement on a new national pay deal can be reached after a progress was made at talks between employers and unions last night.
A breakthrough of sorts was reported in discussions over the break-up of Aer Rianta, according to sources. The Government's plan to break up the airport authority is seen as the major stumbling block to a new pay agreement.
The talks will resume at 11 a.m. today amid hopes that a new 18-month deal is imminent.