SINN Féin has said it plans to meet British and Irish government representatives today as efforts begin to restore devolution ahead of next month's deadline.
Secretary of State James Brokenshire signalled on Tuesday that the British government would consider a return to direct rule if agreement between the parties is not secured by the time Westminster returns from its Easter recess on April 18.
The post-election talks aimed at putting a first and deputy first minister in place by last Monday concluded at the weekend without a breakthrough.
It is understood a series of bilateral meetings between the parties took place yesterday.
The talks are expected to intensify early next week with plans to put a more formal structure in place.
Sinn Féin negotiator Conor Murphy said last night that his party remained focused on restoring the institutions.
"The implementation of previous agreements remains key to making progress to rebuilding public confidence in the political institutions on the basis of equality, respect and integrity," he said.
He said his party planned to meet the two governments today, however, it is understood that neither Mr Brokenshire or Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan will be in Belfast.
SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon said her party was "deeply frustrated with the slow pace of dialogue so far".
"Over the past number of days, we’ve heard the secretary of state refer to the urgent need to bring parties back around the table to deliver a resolution to outstanding issues in the short window available," she said.
"Yet when the SDLP has requested meetings, including an urgent round table, involving all parties even on the less contentious issues, we’ve been told that these cannot be facilitated until the talks recommence formally – it is astounding and deeply frustrating that the pace of negotiations is so slow when the time available is so limited."
The North Belfast MLA said lessons needed to be learned from the failure of the recent talks process.
"Structured dialogue must begin immediately," she said.
