The Taoiseach has said it would be a significant failure if a Brexit deal doesn't get done this week.
But, Micheál Martin has said it will be very challenging to close the gaps that remain on fisheries and the level playing field.
Wednesday has now emerged as the EU's deadline for finishing these negotiations after Michel Barnier briefed ambassadors and MEPs this morning.
He was quick to dismiss the suggestion that there has been a breakthrough on fisheries after more than ten hours of talks yesterday.
The mood within the Irish government is that a deal should still get done but Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned there's still a lot of work to do.
The last disagreements are over fishing, access to UK waters and a transition period for EU and Irish boats leaving them.
And the level playing field including things like state aid, which could see British companies having an advantage over those in the EU bloc.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Commission President Ursala von der Leyen are due to speak this evening as the endgame draws near.
