The leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have met at Government Buildings this morning to discuss the impasse in forming a government - bit talks between the two parties will not resume over the weekend.

It is understood the talks between Enda Kenny and Micheal Martin went on for just under an hour.

Last night 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 leaders.

Acting Health Minister Leo Varadkar, who is on Fine Gael's negotiating team, would not be drawn on what effect he thought the leaders' meeting will have on the process:

Sources now say the talks will resume on Monday, with some internal meetings ongoing within the parties.

Fine Gael want some form of water charges to remain in place, but Fianna Fáil want the controversial charges suspended.

It has been reported earlier in the week that a deal on Irish Water had been agreed - but yesterday deputies said no agreement had been reached.

It comes as four opposition parties tabled a joint motion calling for an immediate end to water charges, which is set to be put before the Dáil.

Speaking after the talks at Trinity College Dublin yesterday, Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan said the negotiation teams need further instructions from their party leaders.

Deputy O'Callaghan said that negotiators "have reached a situation where there are a number of issues in respect of which we can't reach agreement".