The New IRA is in secret peace negations with the British and Irish governments.
The Belfast Telegraph understands the talks are in their final stages but a deal over prisoner sentencing is the last sticking point.
Sources say the dissident leaders have asked for the return of ‘50/50 remission’ – lighter sentences – in exchange for putting down their guns.
But the New IRA leadership, who were previously arrested in an MI5 sting, is understood to be at loggerheads with hardliners over whether they should abandon their armed campaign.
The group was formed in July 2012 from a merger of the Real IRA, independent republicans from Tyrone and vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs.
The New IRA is currently the most active of the dissident groups and is responsible for at least seven murders.
Almost 40 alleged members of the organisation are currently before the courts for various offences, including murder, attempted murder and directing terrorism.
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph security correspondent Allison Morris, who broke the story.
Allison Morris on the New IRA’s potential ceasefire after secret peace talks
