Talks between Irish and British government officials and two of Northern Ireland's political parties, the DUP and Sinn Féin, adjourned in London last night.
It is understood that while some progress was made, considerable difficulties remain.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, are expected to review developments when they meet on the margins of a gathering of EU leaders in Italy this weekend.
It is the second time in the past ten days that senior officials from both governments have tried to reach a breakthrough in the North's peace process.
Because the DUP will not hold face to face discussions with Sinn Féin, officials have shuttled between the two parties.
The deal they have been attempting to broker centres on a guaranteed end to IRA weapons and activity in return for a DUP commitment to share power.
Meanwhile, Bertie Ahern has said that the talks on a settlement in the North are at a difficult stage.
