The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister will discuss prospects for the Northern talks in Brussels later today in advance of next Monday's plenary session at Stormont.
For Mr Ahern the meeting comes before his visit to Washington, also next Monday, during which he will discuss the North with President Clinton. On the same day the sub-group of the talks - comprising the party leaders - is due to report to a plenary session on progress. Mr Blair will report on yesterday's meeting with ein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, while Mr Ahern will update Mr Blair on his talks earlier this week with the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble.
Mr Ahern will press for a British government response to the dossier of evidence concerning Bloody Sunday which was compiled by the Government and handed to the British some time ago.