Labour Relation Commission talks are underway in an effort to stave off strikes by Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann over terms and conditions should workers be required to move to private bus companies.

Two further days of action are due this weekend.

Kieran Mulvey is Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Commission and he spoke to Lunchtime this morning before he went to chair the talks.

Jonathan Healy asked Mr Mulvey would it be a gesture of goodwill if the strike would be called off. Mr Mulvey responded: "We'll just have to wait and see if there is significant progress being made in the talks, maybe the unions would consider that option.

"We're pretty far away from that option at the moment."

Drivers at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are preparing to down tools again this Friday and Saturday - in a second round of strike action over plans to put 10% of routes operated by the two State-owned companies out to tender.

All services at the two companies were halted on May 1st and 2nd in the ongoing row.

Previous LRC talks between SIPTU, the NBRU and management at the companies broke down without agreement.

SIPTU representative Owen Reidy says they want to see an end to the row.

Willie Noone of SIPTU spoke on his way into the talks.