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NI talks: Hint of partial breakthrough on welfare NI talks: Stormont sources say deal reached over welfare reform proposals
(about 14 hours later)
There may have been a partial breakthrough in the cross-party talks at Stormont, a source has told the BBC. The five main parties at Stormont have agreed proposals to break the deadlock on welfare reform, the BBC has learned.
The talks are aimed at resolving disputes over flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare. A paper from the parties is on its way to the government.
The source suggested agreement may have been reached on a "cushion" to fund welfare out of the Northern Ireland Executive budget. The BBC understands the parties have signed off on a package that would increase the £70m put aside for welfare flexibility in the recent draft budget.
However, other sources said that the situation is more complex and the talks will continue on Friday morning. The parties are also asking Westminster to increase cash for new agencies to deal with the past and improve its offer on a peace investment fund.
Competing proposals The talks, which have been going on for 10 weeks, are aimed at resolving disputes over flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare.
Earlier, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said there had been a "step change" in the talks.
The deputy first minister tweeted: "Our team focussed but more to do."
Negotiators from the five executive parties have been holding the latest round of talks in Stormont Castle.Negotiators from the five executive parties have been holding the latest round of talks in Stormont Castle.
Their discussions continued late into the night, with the parties seemingly determined to resist any attempt to draw a line under another failed negotiation.
Negotiators studied detailed costings for competing proposals for the future of the welfare system in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin has refused to implement welfare reform in Northern Ireland and a paper from the party earlier in the week was dismissed as being unrealistic and unaffordable by other political parties.Sinn Féin has refused to implement welfare reform in Northern Ireland and a paper from the party earlier in the week was dismissed as being unrealistic and unaffordable by other political parties.
Late on Thursday night, one senior Stormont source told the BBC that a breakthrough is now believed to be possible.
It would mean agreement on a financial cushion to fund what were described as welfare "flexibilities" out of the Stormont budget.
'Dragging on'
However, other negotiators said the situation remained complex and there was still no agreement on any such cushion.
In a statement on Thursday evening, the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said his government remained committed to "securing a comprehensive agreement acceptable to all parties".
The leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, Jim Allister, claimed the talks were only dragging on because none of the parties want to be seen to walk away.
The cross-party talks, convened by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, have been going on for the past 10 weeks.