DISCUSSIONS are expected to continue this week between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on forming a new government amid the coronavirus crisis.
It has been more than 50 days since the Republic's general election which resulted in a near three-way tie between Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Sinn Féin had a surge in support and won the most votes, but it did not run enough candidates to fully benefit – and no party won enough seats to form a government by themselves.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and his party's minority government has remained in post during the impasse.
In a statement last week, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael said they had "agreed the need to form a strong, stable government" that will help Ireland recover post-coronavirus.
The parties said they would "meet again over the coming days and will both continue to reach out and engage with other parties".
There have been concerns that any further emergency legislation to tackle Covid-19 cannot be passed without a new government.
Counting in the Seanad election began yesterday, but it cannot be fully formed as 11 of the senators are nominated by a Taoiseach.
If a Taoiseach is not elected by the new 33rd Dáil, the Seanad is short of its required 60 members.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has said that without a fully formed Seanad, the Oireachtas cannot pass new laws.
Mr Varadkar has said it may be possible to form a government "in the next couple of weeks".
But he wants it to have a working majority, which means bringing in parties or TDs from outside of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
