The Budget must not be allowed to undermine the gains made by workers under social partnership, union leaders told the Taoiseach yesterday. Unions and the Government, however, remain committed to negotiating a new national partnership deal to succeed the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
At yesterday's meeting with Mr Ahern and senior Cabinet colleagues, leaders of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions spelt out concerns about last week's spending Estimates. The ICTU is known to be particularly concerned about the level of funding available to deal with qualify-of-life issues including housing, transport, childcare and health.
Senator Joe O'Toole, the Congress president, said the Taoiseach and his colleagues had said there was not as much room to manoeuvre in next month's Budget as in those of previous years.
They had, however, emphasised that they were committed to continuing the social partnership process and attempting to reach a new agreement.The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, and Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, also attended the meeting at Government Buildings.
