Negotiation teams from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael met with representatives of the Regional Independent group, which was led by Michael Lowry, the TD for Tipperary North, over the weekend.

Health and disability were two of the subjects that were emphasised. Michael and Danny Healy-Rae, independent Kerry TDs, also spoke with the two major parties' negotiating teams.

Additional discussions are scheduled for today morning, and it is known that some policy matters still need to be decided.

If an agreement is to be reached in the next few days, it will be essential to resolve these unresolved issues.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will then call meetings to have member votes on the new program if it occurs. Fine Gael will host five regional gatherings for members, while Fianna Fáil will host a special national Ard Fheis in Dublin, probably on Sunday, January 19.

Micheál Martin will be able to be elected Taoiseach when the Dáil reconvenes on January 22 if, as anticipated, party members embrace the new program, which would span five budgets.

By the end of the day, the new government will be in place after he names his ministers.