Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil that the terms and conditions of retained firefighters must be improved.
Pickets have been placed at fire stations across the country as retained firefighters take strike action.
The rolling work stoppages have closed up to 50% of fire stations in the service.
Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, Mr Varadkar said an offer had been made involving a 20% increase in staffing and allowing for structured time off.
He said he hoped this offer would allow both sides to reengage in talks.
The firefighters' union, SIPTU, is calling for improved pay and conditions to address what it describes as a recruitment and retention crisis.
Members of the retained service are part-time firefighters who are paid an annual retainer to be available for callouts.
Last week, retained firefighters began a campaign of industrial action, which involved refusal to co-operate with work outside of responding to emergency calls.
If there is no resolution to the dispute, this week's rolling strikes will be followed by an all-out strike on 20 June.
SIPTU represents around 2,000 retained firefighters across 200 stations around the country.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil that half of the fire stations in the country are shut in an unprecedented move that was not taken lightly.
She said retained firefighters are underpaid and overworked and "there is now clearly a recruitment and a retention crisis".
Negotiations with unions have been insufficient and a proper realistic offer is needed, she added.
Sinn Féin will tonight bring forward a motion that would see major investment in the retained fire services.
SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser Karan O Loughlin said they have been informed by representatives of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien that he will deliver "a positive statement" in relation to the dispute in a Dáil debate on the matter.
"Our members will evaluate this statement after it is delivered but have no option but to proceed with their strike action as planned," Ms O Loughlin said.
While larger urban areas have full-time fire brigades, many parts of the country rely on retained firefighters.
In January, SIPTU members in the retained fire service voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
The union said that many firefighters are unable to take their leave entitlements due to staff shortages and have seen their incomes drastically reduced due to reductions in call outs over the last number of years.
Minister O'Brien published a report on the future of the retained fire service, which contains a number of measures aimed at addressing problems in the service and his department said that work is under way to begin implementing the recommendations.
The department also said that SIPTU had confirmed that throughout the strike action its members will respond to all emergency calls involving life-threatening situations.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms O Loughlin said emergency cover is in place and "there isn't a firefighter in the country who will put life at risk".
She said there will be significant and solid engagement locally to ensure that emergencies that are a threat to life or serious injury are identified and responded to where necessary.
This will put pressure on full-time services, she said.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he is hopeful for a "timely resolution" to the strike action.
Speaking before Cabinet, he said he does not believe it necessitates strike action and both sides are working to try to resolve it and that Minister O'Brien has been in close contact on the issue.
He said it is important the "existing industrial relations machinery" is used to bring about a resolution.
Mr Martin said that the Government received a comprehensive report and review in relation to it.
Among those on the picket line outside Bray fire station today was the son of firefighter Brian Murray who lost his life, along with his colleague Mark O'Shaughnessy, while tackling a fire in 2007.
Before his death, he had fought for better pay and conditions and now his son Brian Jnr, also a firefighter, is doing the same."It's a strange emotion to be here on a picket line today," Mr Murray said.
"It's hard to believe in 2023 that firefighters in one of the richest countries in Europe have to picket for better pay and time off, it's surreal," he added.
Alanna Byrne joined Bray Fire Station just two and half months ago.
"I am now wondering if I will be able to raise children on what I am earning," Ms Byrne said.
"Will I be able to see friends and family with the current structures?" she asked.
"I just don't think it's sustainable and it needs to change because people aren't going to stay," she added.
Additional reporting Brian O'Donovan
