Members of the trade union SIPTU have voted to support a new public service pay deal, an extension of the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

The union says members voted "by a large majority" to accept the proposals, which will run from 2018 to 2020.

SIPTU vice-president, Gene Mealy, said 76% voted in favour with 24% against.

The agreement provides for pay restoration and other improvements for workers in the public service.

Mr Mealy said: "Our members in the public service have endorsed the proposed agreement in line with a recommendation by the National Executive Council of the union.

"However, we are conscious that a lot of work needs to be undertaken in a number of areas where important issues remain unresolved.

"These include concerns over pay disparities for new entrants, overtime rates, recruitment and retention issues and the restoration of allowances.

"We will also insist that management ensures that the employment protection measures, which are central to the proposed Agreement, are implemented in the event that it is ratified at a meeting next month of the Public Services Committee of the ICTU," Mr Mealyadded.

Last month, the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS) became the first union to give its support to the deal.

Members of the AHCPS voted to accept it by a majority of 82%.

While the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) rejected the proposals by a majority of 89%.