A key round of government formation talks is underway this afternoon, with negotiators hoping to find agreements on transport, mental health and drug policy.

Two plenary session will negotiators from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party aiming to sign off on texts on all three issues.

Party leaders are then expected to meet tomorrow to iron out any outstanding issues.

Speaking this afternoon, the Health Minister Simon Harris said all three parties remain committed to finding a deal.

He said a programme for government needs to be on the table by next week.

“We want an agreement; we want to play our part in government and there are lots of big challenges facing our country,” he said.

“But at the same time, we will only be able to sign up an agreement that we believe works – works for the country, is deliverable and obviously reflects our own policy position.”

The party leaders are expected to focus on environmental issues, agriculture, housing and Direct Provision among other things.

Speaking on Virgin Media television last night, the Taoiseach Leo Varadakr said he was confident a programme for government could be published by next week.

“A lot of work will be done this weekend including a meeting of the party leaders to try and troubleshoot some of the difficult issues,” he said.

“We will ideally have a programme for Government to publish next week, put it to our members and have a new government in place by the end of the month.”

The talks are continuing this afternoon.