The number of work days lost in the first quarter of 2015 due to labour disputes is greater than in 2010, 2011 and 2012 combined.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office and published by the Irish Times show that 24,056 days were lost through four disputes involving 27,588 workers -including the joint Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann strike, and the nationwide Dunes Stores strike.

The number is marginally less than the final quarter of 2014, in which 24,777 days were lost  in disputes affecting 27, 092 employees, but both time periods have been far above typical losses over the past five years.

In contrast, the first quarter of 2014 saw 310 days lost in two disputes affecting 178 workers.