Talks on changes in work practices for hospital consultants have adjourned until tomorrow.
The talks, involving the HSE, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation, are addressing issues including new rosters and so-called "historic leave entitlements".
This permits consultants to take their last year off on full pay in lieu of overtime accumulated earlier in their careers.
It is understood that if agreement is not reached tomorrow, the HSE intends to refer the matter to the Labour Relations Commission.
Ultimately, the matter could potentially go to the Labour Court for a binding decision using the Croke Park procedures.
