The Transport Minister has made a bid to avert next month's bus strikes.

He's announced that no employee will be forced to transfer to another operator as part of plans to privatise 10% of the bus market.

Industrial action's scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week as part of the dispute for privatisation in 2017.

Paschal Donohoe says he can't give assurance re further planned privatisation in 2019.

However, he says his commitment now to workers means further talks should take place and the strike  should be called off.

He spoke to John Keogh on Lunchtime today about the latest developments in the case: