Irish election: Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to endorse deal
The Republic of Ireland's two largest parties are to meet to endorse a deal they reached on a limited working arrangement in the Irish Parliament (Dáil).
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil politicians (TDs and senators) are to gather at Leinster House on Tuesday.
They will consider an agreement on how a Fine Gael-led minority government would receive limited support from Fianna Fáil from the opposition benches.
Both parliamentary parties are expected to support the deal.
Fine Gael negotiators are scheduled to resume talks with TDs (members of the Dáil) from both the Independent Alliance and Rural Alliance at Government Buildings, with the aim of forming a minority government.
However, there is still no guarantee that a minority government can be formed this week.
While Fine Gael negotiators declared that progress had been made, the Independent TDs were less encouraged, saying significant difficulties remain, in particular in health, rural development and agriculture.
Both sides say they are going to make significant efforts to reach an agreement and will put in as many hours as are required to get the job done.
At some point in the coming days, Fine Gael will have to make a final offer and Independent TDs will have to decide if that is a deal they can support.