Inconvenient truth is that Stateowned companies are not essential to provide public services, writes Gerard Howlin

Iarnród Éireann and unions are set to resume talks on Monday at the Labour Relation Commission aimed at averting strike action that would impact thousands of commuters.

SIPTU has joined the National Bus and Rail Union in threatening industrial action at Irish Rail.

The Labour Relations Commission has warned management and unions at Irish Rail that its proposals on ending the pay dispute at the company "are its final attempt" at an agreement and no further progress is possible at negotiating level.

Talks between Irish rail management and unions aimed at averting further strike action resume at midday today.

Siptu has told Irish Rail it intends to add three more days of work stoppages over the company’s plans to implement a cost-savings plan without its members’ agreement — with two of the days falling on All-Ireland final days.