IRISH Life management and the union representing sales staff may meet next week in an attempt to resolve a dispute which has resulted in the suspension of 320 employees.

MSF union official Mr John Tierney warned last night, however, that talks could not start "until everyone's agenda is on the table".

Mr Tierney said he had written to the company during the week advising that the union was available for discussions. A reply from the company on Thursday evening stated that it was available for discussions on the implementation of the required changes in sales practices. Mr Tierney said he told the company yesterday that he could not agree to "a one-sided agenda".

Irish Life said last night that it was hopeful that a meeting could be arranged. "We are addressing what issues will be discussed," a spokesman said. The company view was that talks should revolve around the issues considered by the Labour Court, he said,

Irish Life wants to implement major changes in the way the sales team operates. The Labour Court recommended that the changes be implemented but that payments to the staff involved be increased. Speculation that Irish Life was planning to establish a direct sales operation was dismissed by the company spokesman yesterday. "Irish Life believes strongly that the life assurance business revolves around personal relationships and advice. We are committed to selling through the field force," he said.

Issues being considered within Project 97 - the company's strategic development unit - involve product development, brands development and improvements in service for customers, brokers and the field force.