Unions and management have agreed to engage an independent facilitator to help seek a resolution to the dispute in Dublin airport's Border Management Unit. Fórsa members in the unit have balloted overwhelming for industrial action in a row over management’s refusal to pay a Sunday premium.

The union, which has been seeking the payment for more than three years, says it is a requirement under Irish and European working time legislation.

The departments of public expenditure and justice had indicated that they would engage with the process positively. They have acknowledged the existence of the disputed Sunday premium elsewhere in the civil service.