The text of a new national wage agreement is almost complete, sources close to the discussions said today.
One source close to the talks told ireland.comthe main outstanding issues are not pay-related. Trade union sources said issues over benchmarking are likely to be overcome, paving the way for a wage deal to be agreed.
An anti-inflation package proposed by Government remains the main issue of contention, it is understood.
A Government spokesperson confirmed this evening that "the future of the semi-state bodies was addressed during the course of the discussions ... [and] a text is nearing completion".
If a agreement on a text is reached then unions and employers will return to their members for consultation. However, a union source warned that support for the deal from members is not a forgone conclusion.
"No-one's holding their breath," the source said.
If consensus is reached, then the country's largest union SIPTU will ballot members in March before the executive of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions considers the proposals.
The employers group IBEC will also consult its members it members in March.
If both groups agree then a new agreement could be in place by April 1st with provision for back-dating payments to January.
Talks are ongoing this evening but there are plans to continue over the weekend. Further discussions will resume on Monday.