The Minister for Transport says a lasting agreement needs to be reached between unions and management at Bus Eireann. Leo Varadkar was speaking earlier as talks between both sides got underway at the Labour Relations Commission.

The row centres on a €5 million cost-cutting plan which was recommended by the Labour Court but was implemented without agreement.

Drivers with the NBRU went on strike on Sunday and Monday. SIPTU is also balloting its members in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail for industrial action in solidarity with members at Bus Eireann. That vote will take place tomorrow.

It is expected SIPTU workers will vote in favour of strike action if no agreement has been reached before then.

Following on from the meeting of shop stewards, a SIPTU delegation attended the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to engage in discussions aimed at bringing to a conclusion the dispute at Bus Éireann.

Industrial action has been put on hold there until tonight while the discussions are taking place.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Varadkar says a long-lasting deal must be reached, otherwise strike action may be preferable.