Initiatives to tackle alcohol abuse and child poverty were proposed by the Government yesterday in an attempt to secure a new national partnership deal.
As the social partners entered Government Buildings last night for a new round of talks, however, the prospects of a deal remained in the balance.
The IFA president, Mr John Dillon, said the social partnership process was "on the verge of collapse". He claimed that, while a public sector pay deal was being sealed, "the Government is engaged in a talking-out process with farmers that lacks any serious commitment to social partnership". Nevertheless, farm leaders took their place at last night's talks with employers, unions, community and voluntary groups and the Government.
In a revised document, the Government outlined general proposals in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse, and child poverty.
It said tackling drug abuse must continue to be a priority, while measures to reduce alcohol-related harm "must address both the supply and demand side". It described child poverty as a "multi-faceted" problem "that requires a number of streams of action". There were no specific proposals, however, to address the issue.
The lack of specific commitments throughout the section dealing with the social agenda has placed community group support for a new agreement in doubt.There was still no indication last night, however, that community and voluntary groups were ready to leave the talks.
Entering the negotiations, Father Seán Healy of the CORI Justice Commission said the document presented yesterday "has potential, but there is still a long way to go".
