A Labour court hearing between Bus Éireann unions and management has adjourned for the evening, so further talks can take place between both sides to clarify certain issues.

The dispute was referred to the court after talks broke down overnight at the Workplace Relations Commission.

The hearing is set to resume at 10:30am tomorrow morning.

Earlier - the unions claimed outside interference prevented management accepting a deal - something which has been denied by management, the Government and the National Transport Authority.

But the National Bus and Rail Union's (NBRU) Dermot O'Leary is sticking to the claim:

"Myself and my SIPTU colleagues would be very critical of those parties today," he said. "I think what was significant is the rush to come out and deny any role they have in the crisis. 

"The lady protest too much," he said in terms of the role of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport.

Talks with unions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) broke down without agreement earlier following 16 days of negotiations.

The company said it sought an early Labour Court hearing "given the urgency of the financial situation".

The dispute centres around a proposed survival plan at the company, which involves significant cuts to workers pay and conditions.

Bus Éireann says it lost €9.4m in 2016, with its losses 'accelerating' in past few months.