Enda Kenny has said Fine Gael is 'determined' to play a role in the formation of a new government.

In a statement following the first Cabinet meeting after the general election, the Taoiseach says, "despite the disappointing outcome of the election, which did not return the outgoing Fine Gael – Labour Government, Fine Gael will be the largest group in the new Dáil and we are determined to play our part in providing the Irish people with a Government committed to working on their behalf.

"We will engage fully and inclusively with other parties, groups and independent deputies to ensure that such a Government is established," he adds.

Mr Kenny says internal party discussions will continue, with the incoming parliamentary party to meet on Thursday.

He says the party will also formulate a set of principles "that will guide Fine Gael participation in a future government".

With only two seats left to be filled in Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael currently has 49 seats in the 32nd Dáil - five ahead of Fianna Fáil. 

Under the Constitution, the outgoing Taoiseach and ministers remain in their roles until a new Taoiseach is elected and a government formed.

At today's cabinet meeting, it was also decided that St Patrick's Day trips abroad by ministers will go ahead in a "curtailed fashion".