The Transport Minister appears to be moving towards meeting one of the demands of unions in the dispute at Irish Rail.
Both SIPTU and the NBRU say the issue of state funding for the company is central to the cost-cutting row.
Talks are underway at the Labour Relations Commission in a bid to resolve the dispute, with two days of all-out strike planned for next Sunday and Monday and a further day of action on Sunday September 21st.
Minister Paschal Donohoe says he hopes not to impose any further cuts in Government funding on Irish Rail:
