The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association has said it hopes to reach agreement shortly on outstanding issues in relation to a new contract.
Minister for Health Mary Harney had earlier announced the successful completion of talks with the IHCA, but the association described this announcement as premature.
IHCA Assistant General Secretary Donal Duffy told RTÉ News that the IHCA had received a revised offer from the Health Service Executive.
He said this will now be the subject of a consultative process within the IHCA.
No agreement has been reached with the Irish Medical Organisation.
The Irish Medical Organisation says it will return to the talks, after withdrawing early yesterday.
The organisation said that its decision to withdraw early yesterday morning had brought a sense of realism and movement from health employers.
The IMO said that to ensure a satisfactory solution, all parties need to be involved.
The session between health service employers and the IHCA began at midday yesterday.
