The Social Democrats have accused the Government of mishandling the public pay crisis.
The party says the focus needs to be on providing more affordable housing, healthcare and insurance, rather than simply increasing pay across the board.
The party is holding its first national conference today.
Other issues it will discuss include accessible education and transparency in politics.
Co-leader of the party, Deputy Roisín Shortall says the state's finances will continue to be tight for the next while, so the government will have to find other ways of improving conditions for workers:
