Talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein are continuing to resolve issues surrounding the devolution of justice powers to Northern Ireland.
Talks at Stormont Castle between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the devolution of policing and justice to Northern Ireland have ended.
Both Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and DUP leader Peter Robinson are involved in the discussions which are taking place at Stormont Castle.
Both Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and DUP leader Peter Robinson were involved in the discussions which will continue at Stormont Castle on Friday.
Speaking beforehand Mr Adams said the talks remained at a "serious, focused and sensitive point".
Speaking beforehand, Mr Adams said the talks remained at a "serious, focused and sensitive point".
Earlier, PM Gordon Brown said it was vital for them to find a solution.
Earlier, PM Gordon Brown said it was vital for them to find a solution.
Mr Brown, who held talks in London with his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen on Thursday, said the British and Irish governments would do whatever it took to support their efforts.
Mr Brown, who held talks in London with his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen on Thursday, said the British and Irish governments would do whatever it took to support their efforts.
He said he was hopeful that deal could be reached, however, he added that nothing was yet certain.
He said he was hopeful that a deal could be reached, however, he added that nothing was yet certain.
"We take nothing for granted this has been a period of great turbulence in the politics of Northern Ireland," the prime minister said.
"We take nothing for granted, this has been a period of great turbulence in the politics of Northern Ireland," the prime minister said.
Mr Cowen said outstanding issues between the parties were ready for agreement.
Mr Cowen said outstanding issues between the parties were ready for agreement.
He said: "The issues have been under discussion for some time and in our view are ready for agreement and resolution."
"The issues have been under discussion for some time and in our view are ready for agreement and resolution," he said.
Earlier, the Northern Ireland deputy first minister said "earnest efforts" were being made to find a way through the impasse.
Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place and he would not be drawn on the detail.
Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place
A meeting of Sinn Fein's Ard Choimaile has been postponed until the party's negotiators are in a position to put something definitive to it.
Meanwhile, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said it seemed that "a humbler DUP" had found "a clearer perspective" on the devolution of justice and policing.
Speaking after a meeting with Mr McGuinness, Mr Durkan said that the issue now is "how decisive they will be about delivering completion."
He added that the SDLP will not be "making it harder for any party to do the right thing from here and now."
Parades
The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties.
Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission.
The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown.
It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date.
Alliance Party leader David Ford held talks with the DUP on Wednesday, a meeting which he described as "positive and useful".
However, he added there was "clearly still a lot of work to be done" before an agreement on policing and justice could be reached.
