The acting Minister for Children says Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil can work to form a government, as long as they get a written agreement.
James Reilly, who lost his seat in the General Election, says he understands that the current talks between the historically rival parties are constructive.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will maintain contact over this weekend, with official negotiations due to resume on Monday.
"There's a lot more work to be done," said Mr Reilly before adding that "I think ultimately talks are going well, contacts are being maintained and I'm given to understand too that they have been constructive".
However, he also stated that some form of written document was going to be needed, outlining the way in which any coalition would work in order for it to have a "sustainable future".
Mr Reilly's comments echo those of Richard Bruton who expressed a similar sentiment on Friday, stating that putting any deal on paper is just "good thinking", and that the absence of a written agreement was one weakness of the 1987 Tallaght strategy, when Fine Gael led by Alan Dukes supported a minority Fianna Fáil administration.
Meanwhile a Sinn Féin MEP says his party isn't afraid of a second general election.
Matt Carthy who was his party's Director of Elections says they'll put forward a strong opposition if Fine Gael succeeds in forming a minority Government.
However Mr Carthy says they're ready to go back to the polls if required, saying that "our team of 23 TDs and whatever number of senators we get elected put it up to the government on the big issues of the day".
