As RTE News reports, talks are set to continue between the UK and the EU as it was warned the two sides were still far apart on issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol.

UK officials described as "constructive" the first round of talks in Brussels this week, which came after the EU proposed new measures earlier this month.

It is understood that while there was common ground in some areas, there were still substantial gaps on what were seen as fundamental issues mainly surrounding governance.

Sources close to the negotiations said "real progress" must be made soon and a process of "endless negotiation" must be avoided. But reports of Christmas crackers being delayed by the Protocol was "yet another practical example" of the disruption caused by the agreement.

A team from the European Commission is set to travel to London on Tuesday for several days of intensive discussions.

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