Talks between unions and management at Irish Rail - aimed at averting further planned strikes later this month - have been adjourned until Monday at midday.
The discussions at the Labour Relations Commission lasted three-and-a-half hours this afternoon.
Management and unions are attending the discussions to assess if there's a basis for resolving a pay dispute.
LRC Director of Conciliation Kevin Foley says today's meeting was about establishing the current position of all parties involved in this dispute:
Members of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) and SIPTU staged two 24-hour strikes at Irish Rail last Sunday and Monday, resulting in rail services grinding to a halt.
Dermot O'Leary (centre), General Secretary of the NBRU, arrives at the LRC talks today
Tens of thousands of rail customers had their travel plans severely disrupted as a result of the action, which was taken over the implementation of pay cuts of up to 6%.
The workers are planning three further days of work stoppages next month - on September 7th, 8th and 21st.
Two of the days coincide with the All-Ireland Hurling and Football Finals.
All sides yesterday accepted an invitation from the LRC to exploratory talks at 11:30 this morning, which are aimed at resolving the row.
Speaking on the way into today's meeting, Dermot O' Leary of the NBRU said there are a number of issues that need to be discussed:
Irish Rail's Barry Kenny says the LRC's intervention is welcome:
The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe is welcoming the talks, which he hopes will lead to a breakthrough in the dispute.
Originally posted 8:33am
