Micheál Martin says he hopes negotiations on the formation of a minority government can come to a resolution early next week.
Talks between representatives from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are due to resume tomorrow, following a meeting between the two parties' leaders yesterday.
On Friday, the parties' coalition talks ground to a halt over differences between the parties on several issues including childcare, education and water charges.
Negotiators said the talks could not continue without further instructions from the two leaders.
Mr Martin is due to have further engagement with the Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny to help resolve the impasse.
The Fianna Fáil leader says he hopes the ongoing talks can reach a conclusion next week, adding that "the situation has to be resolved very soon":
Meanwhile, the acting Education Minister says she hopes Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil can agree a deal on some form of government.
Labour's Jan O'Sullivan says in her opinion it would be preferable to another general election.
Speaking to Colette Fitzpatrick, she said her party will support the government on a range of issues.
"The Labour party won't be making a deal of any kind, but we will support the government on issues like the 8th Amendment... workers' rights... more affordable childcare... [and] child poverty," she explained.
