The Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has called on the NBRU to re-enter talks with Bus Eireann and he has rejected suggestions that he has issued any instructions to company management.

The National Bus and Rail Union has accused Minister Varadkar of stopping management from engaging in talks to resolve the strike, which has hit more than 95% of Bus Eireann services.

In a statement this morning, Minister Varadkar said he fully supports the company's efforts to get their finances back on a secure footing and urged the NBRU to take swift action to re-enter talks without preconditions.

General Secretary of the NBRU Michael Faherty says it's impossible to say how long the strike will last for.

Mr Faherty said: "The only person who can answer that question as we speak is the Minister for Transport.

"I am saying that because he has taken over control of this dispute so he is the only person who can answer that question.

"If what he is saying is correct then the question is 'Who is stopping management from engaging in talks with the trade unions?'."

The NBRU General Secretary believes any passenger would do the same in their shoes.