Bus Éireann bosses have accepted an invitation from the Labour Relations Commission for exploratory talks tomorrow, as unions threaten strike action att he company.
In a statement, Bus Éireann said: "As we have done throughout this process, Bus Éireann will engage in any discussions in the Labour Relations Commission positively and proactively."
"It would be inappropriate for the company to comment further at this time."
SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union are set to launch industrial action next Thursday, if CIE implements cuts to staff terms and conditions from Sunday as part of a €9m cost-cutting drive.
There are fears the strike could spread to Irish Rail and Dublin Bus.
The LRC had invited management and trade unions to separate talks tomorrow to see if there are grounds for further discussions.
SIPTU's Willie Noone has said the strike action still stands, despite tomorrow's planned talks.