He said the challenges could emerge “towards the end of the year”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Ireland could see more “challenges” regarding the cost of living if the war in Ukraine continues.
The Taoiseach made the comments as he met with politicians in Belfast on Friday (20 May) to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol.
With Ireland’s cost of living crisis showing no signs of slowing down, Martin was asked during a press conference if trade unions are being reasonable in terms of their demands for pay increases.
“In my view, we have to work strategically as a country in the face of a unique set of circumstances brought about by Covid-19 in the first instance, as the first wave of the inflationary cycle was due to that and the imbalance between demand and supply, and the war on Ukraine,” he responded.
“We must do so in a way that protects jobs, that protects the economy into the future.
“We are performing very well economically so far. There will be challenges I suspect towards the end of the year if the war continues.
“We have begun exploratory dialogue with the unions in terms of what would be the best approach from a country perspective, not just in terms of pay but in terms of services.
“We’ll see where that takes us.”
During the press conference, the Taoiseach was also questioned as to whether the Government is looking at implementing more measures to try to ease the cost-of-living crisis.
“We have begun exploratory talks,” he replied.
“We have already brought in fares reductions in public transport, both for young people arising out of the budget decision and more latterly in the second package we did in terms of reducing fares.
“The agenda now is to work towards a budget framework at the time of the budget in respect of any further measures.”
Earlier on Friday, the Managing Director of MCD Productions said he believes there will be an increase in ticket prices for concerts next year due to inflation.
Denis Desmond made the comments on Today with Claire Byrne, where he said MCD was seeing increases in the costs of putting on a show “across the board”.
Main image via Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie
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