School secretaries and caretakers are due to go on strike tomorrow after talks at the Workplace Relations Commission failed to resolve a dispute over pensions.
Around three hours of exploratory talks were held today but the WRC concluded that the basis for negotiations was not apparent at this time.
The commission said it will continue to engage in the coming days and remains available to assist the parties.
More than 2,600 school secretaries and caretakers are due to begin indefinite strike action from tomorrow.
Their union Fórsa said the move is necessary because the workers are being denied access to public sector pensions and other entitlements.
Government 'can't keep ignoring the issue' - Fórsa
Earlier, arriving at the talks, Fórsa's Head of Education Andy Pike told reporters that even if the union got a "little bit down the road" at the discussions, it may consider calling off tomorrow's strike.
He said that Fórsa does not need pension access to be finalised today but it is looking for a commitment from the Government that the process will start.
As part of tomorrow's action, a rally will be held at the Department of Public Expenditure.
The Department of Education has instructed schools to open as normal but unions have told their members to support the striking workers by refusing to carry out the duties of secretaries and caretakers.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Youth said that it recognises the vitally important role of secretaries and caretakers within school communities.
"In recent years we have made progress in improving the terms and conditions of school secretaries.
"This has included secretaries being placed on the payroll of the department and linked to any increases in pay under public sector agreements, improved annual leave entitlements, improved maternity provisions and paid sick leave in excess of the statutory requirement."
The department said it will continue to engage with all parties in the coming days, including the WRC, which remains available to assist with the resolution of the dispute.
The department said it is actively working with its education partners on putting in place contingency arrangements to minimise disruption and support the continuity of learning for all students.
"During this action all schools are expected to open for all students," a spokesperson said.
School secretaries and caretakers attended a meeting at Fórsa headquarters in Dublin last night ahead of the planned action.
Secretary Luisa Carty said that they have never had an opportunity like this before to secure pension parity.
"We will see this through all the way," Ms Carty said.
Caretaker Dave Hearne told the meeting that there is a two-tier system in schools because they work alongside teachers and special needs assistants who get public service pensions.
"We need to stand up for ourselves, this is our last chance and we have to take it," Mr Hearne said.
