The Minister for Public Expenditure says he wants to hold talks with trade unions and other groups to form a new policy on taxes and spending.
But Brendan Howlin says the talks are only to build a 'consensus' about future policies - and is not a return to social partnership.
Opposition parties say the idea needs fleshing out - and that such a forum could already be redundant.
Sinn Fein says the talks would only work if the Government is prepared to listen to other points of view.
Our Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly reports:
