The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said that a plan to devolve policing in Northern Ireland has yet to be agreed, but that difficulties over the future role of MI5 can be resolved.
Mr Ahern also conceded that Dr Ian Paisley was facing difficulties and tensions within the DUP, but he insisted that every party faced its own problems that had to be managed by the leadership.
He was speaking ahead of talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The St Andrews timetable for restored power-sharing in Northern Ireland were among the topics discussed.
Mr Ahern also raised concerns about allegations of security force collusion in loyalist terrorist attacks.
Separately, Mr Blair announced his plans for a new generation of nuclear weapons.
Retention of Britain's nuclear deterrent is 'crucial' to national security, he said, and the risk of a 'major nuclear threat' to the UK meant it was essential to replace the Vanguard class submarines.
The estimated cost of replacing the fleet, which carries the Trident nuclear missiles, is £20bn.
In a move to placate critics in the Labour Party, Mr Blair announced that Britain's stockpile of nuclear warheads would be cut by a fifth from around 200 to fewer than 160.
A White Paper published today also left open the option of reducing the submarine fleet from four to three.
MPs will be allowed to vote on the issue in the New Year with opponents predicting a substantial rebellion by backbench Labour MPs.
