Updated 16:00

The Health Minister has launched an attack on Fianna Fáil, claiming they are delaying the confidence and supply talks from concluding.

Simon Harris accused some Fianna Fáil TDs of making 'sniping' comments about Brexit and said the Government needs certainty.

His comments come as a number Fine Gael is ready for an election, according to a number of senior ministers.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney said they are ready to go to the people.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said that while the posters aren't printed yet, the printers are well-oiled.

Confidence and supply talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have been progressing slowly over the last few weeks.

While negotiations are continuing, both parties have indicated that they want to avoid any general election while Brexit remains in the balance.

At the Fine Gael Árd Fheis in Dublin today, Minister Harris said Fianna Fáil now needs to give certainty over government.

Minister Simon Harris upping the pressure on Fianna Fáil to give certainty over confidence and supply. Says they’re moving at a snails pace and that C&S expires in just a couple of days #FGAF18 pic.twitter.com/vsPTL1JsN8

— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 17, 2018

He argued: "The Taoiseach has been leading our effort to get engagement on this reality for quite a period of time. It was always 'ah sure we'll wait 'til next week' when we asked Fianna Fáil... then the exchange of letters... then Micheál saying 'please don't write me... please don't tweet me'. It's going on and on and on and on.

"Now, lads, we're standing here lads and it's November... I want to know, and I think the people of this country want to know, does this Government have an ability to continue to office."

June 2020

Simon Coveney (left), Richard Bruton (centre) and Charlie Flanagan (right). Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Speaking at the Árd Fheis earlier, the Tánaiste argued: "We'd like to set am [election] date in June 2020, if we could do that.

"But of course that's a discussion that has to happen between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. We don't take confidence and supply for granted - but we also will not stay in government without clarity in terms of a confidence and supply agreement."

Leo Varadkar, meanwhile, suggested that a Christmas election isn't on the cards.

The Taoiseach explained: "I don't have any plans to seek a dissolution the Dáil this side of Christmas - but it's not entirely in my hands.

"Fianna Fáil could withdraw support at any time, or potentially - although I don't anticipate it - people serving in Government with us now may leave."

Additional reporting by Stephen McNeice