It comes after what was characterised as a "positive" and "constructive" encounter between party leaders Simon Harris and Micheál Martin on Monday evening.

To establish the parameters for these discussions, Jack Chambers and Helen McEntee, the deputy leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, will meet. The negotiating teams from each party will meet after this debate.

In order to establish a stable administration that can endure for five years, both parties have committed to constructive engagement.

There are some signs of a broad consensus on the structure of government, even though these talks will centre on policy issues including housing, health, justice, and the cost of living.

Following their meeting yesterday, Mr. Martin and Mr. Harris released a joint statement in which they discussed how mutual respect is the foundation of a government.

That is being read as a sign that the parties will once more alternate equally in the position of Taoiseach.

As her party considers its next course of action, Labour leader Ivana Bacik will meet separately with the leaders of the two parties. In addition, the Regional Independent TDs will meet in Dublin to talk about the results of their first meetings with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.