Talks between management and unions at Iarnród Éireann have ended. At a press conference, management and unions issued an agreed statement.
The two sides met along with mediator Phil Flynn to resolve issues behind the unofficial two-day stoppage which severely disrupted rail services yesterday and on Monday.
The joint National Locomotive Driving Committee has decided to unanimously recommend that the introduction of the new intercity trains should begin next Monday, 22 May.
In the interim, the trade union will consult with its members involved in the dispute.
A joint trade union/management agenda and schedule for facilitated meetings in respect of issues effecting locomotive drivers nationally was agreed.
Asked about the time frame for the schedule of meetings, Phil Flynn said it would be 'very concentrated'.
Services have been returning to normal today as drivers have gone back to work. The breakthrough came after more than 14 hours of negotiations ended early this morning.
Before today's meeting, SIPTU's Michael Halpenny said clarification was needed in light of earlier comments made by the company.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, John Keenan said Iarnród Éireann had been given an unambiguous commitment that the new trains would be operational by next Monday.
Earlier this afternoon, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said the unofficial strike gave the public service a bad name and should not be repeated.
He said he was glad that the train drivers had returned to work.
However, Mr Cowen said industrial relations work both ways and he hoped any new social partnership agreement would give a clear commitment not to see a repeat of the strike.
Iarnród Éireann has said just one service from Galway and one from Westport did not run this morning but all other services were now operating normally.
