Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have agreed to hold talks next week regarding the formation of a minority government.

The agreement comes after preliminary discussions between the two parties, took place earlier today.

It is not clear whether Fine Gael is now willing to support a Fianna Fáil-led government if it wins the support of enough independent TDs. The meeting however, could help bring an end to six weeks of political vacuum by clarifying whether any kind of minority government will have enough support to survive for longer than a few weeks.

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Enda Kenny formally offered Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin a full partnership government but Fianna Fáil rejected it, with party leader Micheál Martin saying that they would support the formation of a minority Government. 

A statement issued earlier today by Fine Gael today reads:

"Following exploratory talks this morning, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil negotiating teams have agreed to meet early next week to discuss how a viable minority government would work."