The Transport Minister's warning that if Friday's planned train strike goes ahead it'll make the financial situation at Irish Rail even worse.
The company's already offered pay rises over three years in return for productivity changes but unions representing the train drivers say the offer does not address their claim for pay rises on past performance.
The Workplace Relations Commission is to assess in the coming days if there's any scope for further talks to avert Friday's action.
Minister Paschal Donohoe says any strike will not help the cause of workers seeking a pay rise:
