The Labour Relations Commission is trying to avert a strike in residential homes for mentally-disabled people.
Hundreds of residents will be sent home from facilities in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Wicklow if the action goes ahead.
The dispute is over the Government's refusal to implement an agreed new pay and qualifications structure in the sector.
Talks between IMPACT, which represents the staff and health employer, are taking place at the LRC today.