Nurses' unions are expected to consider an informal proposal of a 37½-hour week for their members by June 2008.
The fresh proposals presented to the Irish Nurses' Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association come on day 44 of the nurses' dispute.
Also it has been proposed that an independently chaired expert group, with representatives from unions and employers, would examine how a 35-hour week might be put in place.
The central pay demand for a 10.6% pay increase would be dealt with by the benchmarking body.
The proposals are believed to have come through a member of the National Implementation Body.
The nurses' unions have not yet responded to the proposals.
During failed talks with employers under the NIB, nurses were offered a one hour reduction in their working week to 38 hours from next March.
In addition, it was suggested that a feasibility review of a 35-hour week, on a cost neutral basis that would not affect patient care, would be undertaken .
The largest level of industrial action is planned for tomorrow, with two-hour work stoppages at all health facilities across the country.
Two unions announced yesterday that from Friday an overtime ban would also come into effect.
