Talks will resume at the Labour Relations commission tomorrow in the row over privatisation of some bus routes.
The news comes as drivers at Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus prepare to down tools in a second in a series of planned strikes later this week.
The Government and National Transport Authority want to see more competition for 10 per cent of services around the country.
When unions last held a 48 hour strike over one million people were affected.
General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union Dermot O'Leary says difficult negotiations lie ahead:
Business group Chambers Ireland has welcomed the initiative by the Labour Relations Commission.
It said a speedy resolution is in the interests of consumers and the business community.
Fianna Fail Transport spokesperson Timmy Dooley also welcomed the development - but says the government needs to do more to bring about an end to the dispute:
