The Government is to host a new process of dialogue with trade unions and employers, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore announced today.
Mr Gilmore said the Government will invite the social partner organisations to bilateral meetings, starting next month.
However, he said it did not represent a return to ?old-style social partnership?.
Speaking before addressing the Siptu biennial delegate conference in Ennis, Co Clare, Mr Gilmore said the Government?s intention was that meetings with unions and employers would take place on a periodic basis and focus on matters of current concern.
In his speech, Mr Gilmore again ruled out blanket debt forgiveness for people in mortgage arrears.
Mr Gilmore reiterated that the only solution to the problem is one that is based on a case-by-case approach in which the circumstances of each individual family will be taken into account.
The Minister emphasised that those who can pay their mortgage must continue to do so but he will accept that there is need for a more uniform approach for people who are negotiating with the banks about mortgage arrears.
As well as looking at new options for people in difficulties, the Government is looking at ways to provide better support structures to guide people and inform them about their options.
Mr Gilmore said that when the recession first hit and people started falling behind in their mortgage payments, the only solution available was forbearance. People in trouble began to make arrangements with the banks to pay what they could, until times got better.
He pointed to the fact that the State has also made a contribution through mortgage interest supplement and that he has been a strong supporter of that approach, because of his belief that the greatest fear people have is not losing their job but losing their home.
"Some of those people will sort themselves out, by getting another job. But some of them won't, and we can't keep people in limbo for ever. What needs to happen now, is for people to start working out more permanent solutions, so that they can get on with their lives. To find ways to make that happen, the Government set up the Keane group, which will report shortly," according to the Tanaiste.
"There will be no blanket debt forgiveness. The only solution that will work is one based on a case-by-case approach, looking at the circumstances of each individual family. And those who can pay their mortgage must do so," he said.
"But we also need a more level playing field for people who are negotiating with the banks about mortgage arrears. So, as well as looking at new options for people in difficulties, we are looking at ways to provide better support structures to guide people and inform them about their options."