The move follows 22 hours of intense negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission across the weekend.

The survey also revealed a strong preference amongst Irish SMEs for green investments that reduce energy costs, such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting.

Sinn Fein has called on the Government to lift a recruitment embargo in the health service.

The chief executive of Mayo County Council has denied there is any attempt to "do down" the local authority. Kevin Kelly made the comments during a heated discussion with councillors at last week's meeting about staffing levels in the local authority.