The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform says he is confident the government and unions can achieve a deal on the Croke Park extension that is acceptable to everyone.

Brendan Howlin was speaking after 4,000 frontline civil servants attended a rally in Dublin last night against any move to cut their pay.

The public sector workers were urged to bombard Senators, TDs and Ministers to object to proposed pay cuts.

It is part of government plans to cut another €1 billion from the public sector pay bill.

Gardai to escalate protests

Senior gardai are also set to escalate their protest against pay cuts that have been proposed as part of the revised Croke Park Agreement.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has already withdrawn from talks on the new deal, saying it could not accept the measures that were on the table.

The Association said sergeants and inspectors would withdraw some of the services they provide and are not paid for.

Speaking on his way into Government Buildings this morning Minister Howlin said his one objective is for an agreement to be reached that ensures everyone carries some of the burden.

And he said despite opposition from frontline workers he remains confident a deal can be reached.