The transport minister has urged SIPTU, Aer Lingus and the country's airports to reach a quick deal over a pensions dispute.

SIPTU is balloting members over whether to pursue industrial action over a deficit in the pension scheme shared by Aer Lingus and the three major airports.

Minister Leo Varadkar says any disruption to air travel - especially during the Six Nations and St Patrick's Day - would be damaging to the country.

He says all sides know what the likely outcome will be - so the parties should skip a strike and reach a deal now: