An opposition TD has described a new public sector pay proposal as 'a major pay cut'.
It's understood an offer of a 6.5% pay rise over two years was on the table when talks between the government and unions concluded early this morning.
Union officials are to put the proposals to their members before reaching a decision.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy thinks it's a 'poor deal':
"Inflation is currently running at 9%. In this country, it is likely to continue to run at a very high rate throughout this year and into next year. It's very likely that over the course of two years, we're going to be looking at 15% plus inflation. Then you're asking workers to sign up to 6.5%. In other words, almost 29% in terms of real income."
