Published Wednesday, 01 July 2009
The First Minister spoke to Gordon Brown on the phone on Wednesday afternoon, after a face-to-face meeting over the devolution of policing and justice did not go ahead.
After speaking to the Prime Minister Peter Robinson said:
"The two major issues which still remain outstanding are the financial arrangements for devolving policing and justice and gaining the necessary level of community confidence required to support the return of policing powers to Stormont."
"Whilst the Prime Minister has said he will be helpful he has not yet agreed a figure to deal with the inescapable pressures which the Northern Ireland policing and justice budget currently faces," Peter Robinson added.
"There is still a considerable amount of work to be completed before the transfer of powers can take place"
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness held talks with Mr Brown on the same issue on Tuesday.
After the meeting, Mr McGuinness said he remained hopeful that difficulties could be resolved soon.
A rescheduled meeting between Gordon Brown and Peter Robinson will take place next week.