Hi °C | Lo °C Frustration has been expressed in the business community after talks to determine whether Northern Ireland can set its own rate of corporation tax ended without agreement.
The ministerial working group that includes the Treasury, the Stormont Executive and the Northern Ireland Office was meeting for what was meant to be the last time on Monday and - while a decision was due from the Government this summer - Treasury Minister David Gauke says that "significant differences" remain.
Any cut in corporation tax would have to be paid for by a cut in the amount Northern Ireland receives from central government.
The main rate of corporation tax in the UK is 24%, while corporation tax in the Irish Republic is 12.5%, and a consultation on whether tax-setting powers could be devolved to Northern Ireland closed earlier this year.
Secretary of State Owen Paterson said that "big questions" remain around the potential costs.
Another meeting is due to be held in September.
CBI Northern Ireland Chairman Ian Coulter said that a decision on devolving corporation tax is still some months away.
"The process has been going on for almost a year, the key issues have been identified for several months, so Monday's outcome is very disappointing," he said.
"It is essential that officials focus their efforts on resolving outstanding issues with the aim of creating a position where a decision can be made in early September by the coalition Government."
