Talks between the Irish Nurses' Organisation (INO) and the Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA) and Health Service management have been suspended until Saturday.
The nurses' representatives are currently in informal meetings.
It is understood that the INO/PNA's demands for a 35-hour week, and discussions over 10 per cent pay rise are progressing.
The talks, which began two days ago, are in response to industrial action by 44,000 nurses.
The unions have agreed not to carry out any more stoppages until talks resume this weekend, although they are continuing their work-to-rule campaign.
