Talks are ongoing between EU and UK officials regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol, with meetings taking place in London and via video link.
While some officials express optimism that progress is being made between the two sides, others are skeptical about the possibility of a deal being reached in a short period of time.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, after Friday talks stated that he does not believe the dispute will be resolved within weeks.
"But the question is can we make progress that is measurable and serious in that period?" he said.
The talks also included discussion of good cooperation and how the changes required for the protocol could be made.
There have been renewed hopes that a compromise can be reached, with exchanges of warm words and UK Prime Minister Liz Truss's attendance at a European summit in Prague causing speculation that a thaw in relations between the EU and the UK is possible.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris is to hold bilateral talks with Simon Coveney at Lancaster House in London for a session of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
The meeting is expected to focus on plans to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
However, despite the positive tones expressed, there is disagreement over whether a comprehensive solution can be reached quickly.
Coveney said that it is "completely unrealistic" to resolve all outstanding issues with the protocol before the end of the month.
Northern Irish unionists have refused to resume power-sharing arrangements at the Stormont Assembly until their concerns about the protocol are met, and by law, the UK government is obliged to call for fresh elections if a deal is not done between the Belfast parties by October 28.
As we continue to hold our breath, the talks are ongoing.