We could be set for a series of public sector strikes after pay talks between unions and Government broke down without agreement overnight.
This latest round of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) began before Christmas but were adjourned when no progress was made.
The discussions to find a successor deal to 'Building Momentum', which expired on New Year's Eve, resumed again in recent days.
They had been making progress on non-pay issues but came unstuck when it came to the issue of wage hikes, and broke down without agreement in the early hours of this morning.
Unions had already signalled they were preparing ballots for industrial action in the event of no deal.
They have said the pay offer was 'extremely disappointing'.
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has said the Government's offer struck a balance of fairness, affordability and delivery of public services.
He has asked unions to 'reflect', saying the Government remains available for talks.
