Transport unions and the Department of Transport will resume talks on the future organisation of public transport at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) this afternoon.
Measuring the size of Dublin Bus and the extent of the bus market in the capital will be one of the first tasks in the new round of talks brokered by the chairman of the talks, Mr Kevin Foley.
Earlier this week a threatened public transport strike was averted on the basis of progress made in the talks.
Mr Foley has proposed that discussions on the future of public transport ensure standards of employment will be maintained under any new arrangements.
The unions seeking the formation of a joint industrial council for the sector, to establish minimum legal pay rates and other terms of employment.
Two sub groups are also to be established to deal with the issues concerning bus markets and future employment standards.
A deadline of September has been set for the talks.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, announced reform plans in November 2002, which included offering 25 per cent of the Dublin bus market to private operators.