Brennan aims to avert series of CIÉ strikes

TRANSPORT Minister Séamus Brennan is expected to contact union leaders today in an effort to avert a series of strikes over his plans to dismantle CIÉ and open up Dublin Bus routes to competition.

Speaking after crunch talks yesterday with the CIÉ unions, described by both sides as "tough and tense", Mr Brennan said he had agreed to consider appointing an independent facilitator to chair the crucial upcoming discussions.

Emerging from two-and-a-half hours of talks at Government Buildings, the minister admitted the situation was a difficult one and the parties had not reached final agreement.