Public expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin says the government wants to see further improvements in productivity, and a reduction in the cost of delivering public services.

They"re hoping agreement can be reached early in the new year, as efforts continue to meet the deadlines of our bailout programme.

Some issues that could be on the table include longer working hours with no extra pay, premium pay rates and increments.

If all goes to plan, negotiations could get underway next week. 

However first the unions have to accept the invitation to talks - the public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is due to meet today to discuss the issue.