Talks between consultants and the HSE on new contracts have ended for the year without agreement.
In a letter to the parties involved the talk's chairman Mark Connaughton has said the negotiations have reached a point where it should be clear to everybody if an agreement is possible.
Mr Connaughton says he is prepared to give the process a further two weeks in early January.
The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, said she wanted a deal by Christmas.
