A Fine Gael TD for Waterford says the Government remains committed to retaining as many jobs as possible at Bausch and Lomb.

A meeting between workers, union reps and politicians got underway at the Tower Hotel in Waterford city shortly after half past two.

The 1,200 workers at the plant have until the 17th of June to accept or reject 200 voluntary redundancies and a 20% pay cut for the remaining staff.

SIPTU is calling on Bausch and Lomb to give the workers more time to consider their options.

Speaking on his way into this afternoon's meeting -

Fine Gael Deputy Paudie Coffey says the priority for Government is to save as many jobs as possible: