SIPTU says Luas workers remain open to negotiations - ahead of this weekend's strikes.

Industrial action looks likely to go ahead on Sunday and Monday - as the capital marks the centenary of the Easter Rising.

Earlier the Transport Minister called on the head of SIPTU to engage to allow the trams operate this weekend.

Jack O'Connor has likened the situation to the James Connolly led 1913 lockout.

He says he cannot directly intervene to cancel the strike: