THE Tanaiste sounded an optimistic note when asked about developments on the North. "I believe that the gaps that divide, the parties can be bridged and every effort will be made today and in the coming days to do that", said Mr Spring.

He said negotiations had been continuing for many months. "As I said last night, there are difficulties at the present time, but work is ongoing. We have had contact with the British government at many levels last evening and will continue to do so."

Mr Spring added that a request from the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, for a special Dail debate on the North next week could be considered by the party whips. Mr Ahern said the British government's inability to challenge the unionist veto on Sinn Fein's participation in multi party talks was the real stumbling block to progress.

A debate was required following what appeared to be "the effective rejection of John Hume's initiative". He said the Government should not accept "No" from the British government, in the same way it had resisted when the Hume Adams initiative, which led to the Downing Street Declaration, was being rejected by the British in 1993.

The Progressive Democrats' leader, Ms Mary Harney, asked if a meeting was planned between the Taoiseach and Mr John Major within the next fortnight. Mr Spring said he was not aware of a date being fixed, but it would be normal to have one between now, and the conclusion of business this year.