The head of the Workplace Relations Commission has said there is no point in holding talks on the Luas dispute, unless both sides are willing to negotiate.

The second of two 48-hour strikes is continuing in Dublin this morning, amid a row over pay increases of up to 54% being sought by drivers.

Luas operator Transdev has said it cannot afford the proposed pay hikes, but SIPTU has indicated there is room for negotiation.

Both sides will be formally invited to attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission next week.

But Director General, Kieran Mulvey, has said a full intervention will not go ahead unless SIPTU and Transdev are willing to roll up their sleeves: “The parties are too far for talks that is why the two 48 hours disputes went ahead, there was no basis to negotiate.

“Whatever we are in the business of we are not in the business of calling people in for the sake of calling people in.

“I mean people come into the commission they are expected to roll up their sleeves and work with us day and night to get a solution.”