Northern Secretary Peter Hain wants an IRA statement "sooner rather than later" which is backed by clear commitments to embrace democracy and to end all paramilitary and criminal activity.
Mr Hain's remarks on BBC run counter to the mood in Northern Ireland that an IRA statement and full decommissioning is now less imminent following a troubled week including street violence in Belfast and Derry and sporadic sectarian attacks.
Government sources in Dublin are now inclined more to a statement in late July or early August rather than next week, as was anticipated.
One well-placed Dublin source voiced the fear that a statement coming after the holidays in late August or even September would mean a loss of momentum towards progress.
Three weeks ago Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil he hoped for an IRA statement before August. The feeling now is that this timeframe has slipped.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has also appeared to indicate that more time is needed for the IRA to decide on its next step.
"I have stayed away from speculating about what time it will take; obviously the focus has to be on the type of positive outcome I have appealed for," Mr Adams said following Friday's meeting with Mr Ahern.
Unionist and nationalist sources felt a calmer marching season would have been more conducive to a positive IRA response.