Taoiseach Warns Coalition Doesn't Have 'blank Cheque' For Pay Talks

Taoiseach warns coalition doesn't have 'blank cheque' for pay talks

The Taoiseach has warned the coalition does not have a blank cheque for pay talks with public sector workers. Officials will begin discussions with unions this afternoon to reverse the emergency pay and pension cuts implemented during the crisis. Earlier, the Public Expenditure Minister warned of the need for realism. On his way into Cabinet the Taoiseach said further reforms in the service are needed. "Obviously the minister himself has pointed out that he doesn't have a blank cheque and that productivity and continued reform are an essential part of what the public service have been at for quite a number of years now" he said. "So the minister will keep Cabinet updated on the discussions that he has with the public sector unions in the time ahead" he added.