Talks aimed at securing a new national pay agreement are continuing in Dublin this weekend.
An initial three hours of discussions in Government Buildings yesterday failed to achieve meaningful progress on the main issues separating the trade unions and employers' representatives, but both sides said exchanges would continue.
Progress on two key issues had been made in behind-the-scenes talks this week before the parties reopened formal negotiations yesterday afternoon.
Both sides remained pessimistic last night about the prospects of a deal, despite the fact that both sides are reported to have moved closer to compromise on the issues of union recognition and the employers' compliance agenda.
The main point of dispute remains the pay demands being made by a range of unions - the issue that led to talks breaking down before Christmas. A new pay pact is needed to replace the current five-year deal, which expires shortly.