The Labour Relations Commission has invited all parties involved in the bus dispute for "exploratory discussions" this afternoon.

Dermot O'Leary from the NBRU spoke to Jonathan Healy on Lunchtime today but was eager to stress that this may only be the basis for an agreement. Both sides in the dispute confirmed that they will attend the talks.

However, the strike has not been called off:

The Transport Minster says management at both Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann are available to meet unions at the LRC today in a bid to prevent strike action.

Paschal Donohoe says if the planned strike goes ahead tomorrow and Saturday it will cost both companies 10 million euro each.

Driver are downing tools in a row over the privatisation of routes - saying they have a number of concerns they want addressed.

On top of that, the Minister stated that you will not be allowed to use the bus lanes even though the buses are on strike.

Minister Donohoe says there is still time to avoid the action, which would have huge financial implications for both companies: