Paschal Donohoe said the discussions were ‘lengthy and challenging’.

Paschal Donohoe said he hoped ‘further progress’ could be made ‘across a number of weeks’.

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The airline had spent months in discussions with the Fórsa union over a long-term pay deal

The updated Building Momentum deal proposes a staggered pay increase of 6.5 per cent over the course of 18 months

The government has announced a significant new pay deal for early years and childcare workers, that will see the first ever minimum rates of pay coming into effect next week.

The Teacher's Union of Ireland will be balloted in September on either an improved pay deal or on a co-ordinated campaign of industrial action.

Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath also said he hopes an agreement can be reached on pay talks this month

The new offer contains a pay boost of almost 10% over three years