Pay rises for doctors and nurses are likely to be considered under a new public sector pay deal.

It is being reported that pay hikes are to be offered for public sector staff who are proving hard to retain.

A commission on public pay is set to be established in the coming months to help quell industrial unrest and to lay the groundwork for the successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, has said that for the moment Lansdowne is “the only show in town” and will be fully implemented.

However, the Irish Times reports that its successor may include pay hikes of up to 6.5% for nurses, doctors and other staff who are difficult to retain.