There is still no sign of a breakthrough in the dispute at Bus Éireann following overnight talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Pickets remain in place around the country and commuters have now been without services for 15 days.

Union representatives have described progress in the negotiations as “slow” as the row over cost cutting continues.

1,900 Bus Éireann staff are involved in the strike action which the company has said is costing it €500,000 per day.

The dispute centres around the company’s proposed survival plan – which involves significant cuts to workers pay and conditions.

Unions are refusing to accept cuts without agreement – and it is believed that those they are willing to accept would not come close to achieving the level of savings management is targeting.

The company has said it is on the brink of insolvency – and will go out of business unless large-scale savings can be made.

Unions have warned that a "complete review of the managerial structure at Bus Éireann" will be necessary in order to agree to any cuts.

The Minister for Transport is still refusing to involve himself in the negotiations.