Two of the country's biggest teaching unions, the ASTI and the TUI, have said they do not believe there is "sufficient improvement and clarification" in the Haddington Road Agreement for it to constitute a final offer.

In a joint statement issued this evening, the unions say they will consult their members only when these matters are addressed, but that they still believe it is possible to conclude an agreement on a successor to the Croke Park deal.

Earlier today, Finance Minister Michael Noonan warned that there would be no further negotiations on a revised public sector pay deal, and that legislation is already in place in the event of the deal being rejected.

Meanwhile, the Irish Federation of University Teachers has said it will ballot members on the Haddington Road agreement, but only after a special consultation in two weeks' time.

General Secretary Mike Jennings said they will also be getting legal advice on the validity of the proposed government legislation to impose any new deal: