The Minister for Transport has said he believes the offer tabled by management at Iarnród Éireann in a bid to resolve a dispute over pay is a reasonable and comprehensive proposal.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Paschal Donohoe said he will not be intervening in the matter, adding that he will not be spending taxpayers money that the Government does not have.
"Irish Rail, like any other organisation will look to pay wage increases or wage changes to its employees on the basis of changes that are made in work practice," he said.
"They've already indicated that on the basis of productivity changes that they believe can be delivered, that there's the prospect of between a 6 or 7% wage increase available to train drivers across a three-year period. I think by any measure that is a very reasonable and comprehensive proposal."
The train drivers' unions - SIPTU and the NBRU - have accused the company of failing to properly address their claims for pay increases for past productivity.
This led to strike action last Friday as trains scheduled to depart between 6am and 9am were cancelled after conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission broke down resulting in widespread travel delays.
It is estimated that 40,000 passengers were disrupted and similar industrial action is due to take place on Friday 6 November.
Unions representing train drivers at Iarnród Éireann have said they accept that drivers will have to drive more, and some jobs could be lost, if they are to achieve a shorter working week and better pensionable pay.
Iarnród Éireann has consistently argued that the drivers' demand for a shorter working week would increase the overall drivers' pay bill and require the recruitment of up to 45 additional drivers.
They have also claimed any such moves would have to be covered by realisable cost savings and efficiencies.
