Katherine Donnelly: Deal can only postpone the outbreak of hositilities

Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe along with Minister for Education, Richard Bruton and Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath, hold a press conference on the new pay agreement on the new entrants' salary-scale issues. Photo: Garrett White / Collins Photo Agency

Katherine Donnelly

Average increases of €3,300 a year are not to be sniffed at, but as union leaders walked away from the table yesterday, the were signs were that it may not buy peace, or not immediately, across the public service.

Second-level teachers, nurses and consultants are disgruntled but whether it results in industrial action that would disrupt or close schools or hamper the workings of the health service remains to be seen.