The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says he will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the pensions of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers.
He is guaranteeing that he will introduce new laws to make sure workers keep their pensions if their jobs are privatised.
Pension rights are one of the main concerns of workers, who are planning industrial action over plans to privatise 10% of routes.
The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) will hold a national day of action - including work stoppages - on May 1st.
In addition, a series of marches are planned at urban centres across the country which will include a march by NBRU members on the Dáil.
Minister Donohoe says very few public workers will be privatised, and those who do will not lose their pensions.
