Irish Rail says it is available for further talks with the NBRU and Siptu.

Discussions involving all sides involved in a row over driver pay and conditions broke down at the Labour Relations Commission last night.

The NBRU claims the negotiations ended as a result of Irish Rail's unwillingness to engage on part of an agreement brokered 12 months ago.

However, company spokesman Barry Kenny says it's losing one million euro each month and a more sensible approach is required:

Dermot O'Leary from The National Bus and Rail Union said that last night's talks ended as a result of an unwillingness on the part of Irish Rail to engage with unions on the productivity element of the agreement brokered on the 3rd of September last year.

The breakdown in talks follows a reported increase in the number of violent incidents while the union is also citing fears over the safety of its members on board services around the country.

A further engagement under the auspices of the LRC is planned next month to discuss possible productivity measures for the wider organisation.

And a meeting of SIPTU and the NBRU will now be convened to discuss the ramifications and consequences of the breakdown in talks.