Joan Burton wants to boost the industrial relations structure to avoid public sector strikes.

The Tánaiste said industrial action is “the last thing we want” as the Government and public sector unions sit down for negotiations.

Speaking this morning, Ms Burton said it makes “absolute sense to ensure we use that industrial relations structure, conciliation and arbitration discussion”.

The Government is in favour of a strengthened arbitration process.

The aim would be to deal with disputes without having resort to industrial action.

It is understood the Government wants a reaffirmation by unions of commitments to deal with disputes through binding arbitration.