Irish Launch Industrial And Economic Talks

The Irish Republic's Government will soon begin a series of meetings to discuss the economic downturn, industrial relation matters and any solutions to these issues at a time when job uncertainty continues.

According to RTE Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore announced that trade unions, the employers and the lead social partners would attend the meetings.

The series of meetings will begin in November between the Government and lead social partners. They will meet on a periodic basis and will involve the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Enterprise.

Mr Gilmore said: "The country is not likely to return to the social partnership structures that existed in the past.

"There are however real benefits for a country like Ireland from effective social dialogue, to give greater certainty to investors to maintain industrial peace, and strengthen social solidarity."

(LB/CD)