Thousands of public sector workers are being balloted for industrial action during August.

There is an expectation in Government that the union side will seek hefty pay increases, as workers have seen the value of their wages diminished by the recent spike in inflation.

The agreement will cost €3.6 billion spread over four years

An estimated 170,000 public sector workers took part in a strike in Northern Ireland over pay last week

Union officials said they are ready to begin balloting members on industrial action