The Dáil is to debate the proposed new social partnership deal amid concerns about democratic accountability.
Meanwhile, the small business organisation Isme said Towards 2016,which was agreed last night but has yet to be ratified, was "a recipe for economic disaster".
Chief executive Mark Fielding criticised the ten per cent wage increase over 27 months that forms the pay element of the deal, which has been granted without any commitments on productivity.
"This is economic madness and will lead to a further undermining of the competitiveness of the economy," said Mr Fielding.
He said the employers body Ibec had been "weak-kneed" in the protracted negotiations and noted the additional 0.5 per cent for the lower paid will have little impact on Ibec members.
"The control of costs is pivotal in the current economic environment and many small businesses simply do not have the resources to meet these increases," he said.
The commitment to set social welfare payments at 30 per cent of the average gross industrial wage from next year, was "pandering to the sheltered social sector" and was a sure sign of a government in pre-election mode, Mr Fielding added.
The deal received a broad political welcome today but concern was expressed in the Dáil today about accountability.
Labour's Ruairí Quinn said the Oireachtas was responsible for implementing the deal but a copy of the document had yet to be laid before it.
He was joined by Green Party finance spokesman Dan Boyle in calling for a Dáil debate. However, Mr Boyle said: "This will not go far enough in attaching real democratic legitimacy to the partnership."
He said the Dáil should also vote on whether to accept the deal.
Tánaiste Mary Harney acknowledged "there were issues around democratic accountability" and agreed to a debate before the summer recess.
Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton said a "more transparent and open system" for determining the Government's position at negotiations should be developed. He noted, with some concern, that some elements of the deal cover a 10-year period.
The agriculture sector has yet to agree terms and discussions are schedule for Friday and Saturday.