The Tánaiste says he can't give a timeline for when there might be a resolution to the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Both Micheál Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar are in Northern Ireland today for meetings with political party leaders and the Secretary of State.
It comes ahead of next week's deadline for fresh elections to be called in the North if no executive is formed.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin says talks are at an important stage.
"Trust is building between the EU side and the UK government.
"Progress has been made in terms of data sharing, but both sides are very conscious and very guarded of the huge challenge of getting a deal represents, it's a really difficult challenge for them, so their being guarded in respect of time and detail I respect that."
