The Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin says he will begin the process of reversing public sector pay cuts next year.

Several cuts to pay and pensions were imposed under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest laws, as a result of the Croke Park and Haddington Road agreements.

Last June, the coalition decided that the measures needed to remain in place for at least another year.

Mr Howlin has told the Dáil he believes we are nearing the point of reversing the pay cuts.