The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, today urged "maximum flexibility" on all sides in efforts to get the Northern Ireland peace process back on track.
He also said he looked forward to an early resolution of the central issue of decommissioning IRA and other paramilitary arms that is delaying moves towards a permanent peace.
Mr Ahern made his comments in the Dáil where he faced a barrage of questions from opposition groups over the position in the North.
The Taoiseach, who had talks on the issue in a prolonged telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair this week, said the both governments remained committed to full implementation of the Good Friday agreement.
Mr Ahern, speaking ahead of talks in Dublin with the SDLP paid tribute to their decision to nominate members of the province's new police board as "an important step."
He underscored the hope that Sinn Fein would also make a similar move" in time."
Mr Ahern acknowledged that the withdrawal of Ulster Unionist ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive over the arms controversy was a serious threat.
But he stressed a wide range of recent discussions had been aimed at advancing all the outstanding peace process issues.
"The situation is obviously difficult and we are all mindful that time is pressing. And all of the parties must continue efforts to find a way forward and avail of the limited time now available.
"If we can find our way through the impasse, we can continue to build on the progress that has been made."
Mr Ahern also reported that in recent contact with Sinn Fein leader Mr Gerry Adams and other senior members of his party, he had raised concerns over events in Colombia, where three men allegedly linked to their party's IRA allies were recently arrested, centring on the possible consequences for confidence in the peace process.
PA