The ISEQ index remained static at 5,850 at 12.30 p.m. as investors waited for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate announcement.
The leading Irish banks edged modestly higher in anticipation of a half percent cut in US interest rates. AIB gained 5 cents to euro 13.03 and Bank of Ireland moved 4 cents higher to euro 10.73.
Other blue chips with US interests also made progress. CRH is 11 cents stronger at euro 20.10 and Smurfit gained 4 cents to euro 2.02.
Leading London shares were still on offer towards midday, extending their losses as the markdown in technology stocks and the banking sector continued to weigh on the wider market, dealers said.
Banks continue to dominate the FTSE 100 index fallers board as news of Lloyds TSB's long-awaited £19.8 billion sterling bid for Abbey National failed to excite.
Lloyds TSB slid 30p to £7.05, while Bank of Scotland, Lloyds' rival bidder for Abbey National, fell back 17p to £7.48.