The talks between Fianna Fáil and the Green Party have concluded for the evening.
Minister Séamus Brennan said there was really good progress on a number of issues, but there were a number of outstanding issues still to be agreed.
Mr Brennan said they were conscious of the time constraint in the light of the Green Party's special conference on Sunday.
He said that difficult issues still remained, but he was hopeful yet not certain that an agreement could be reached.
Mr Brennan said he expected the talks to conclude in two days.
The Green Party negotiating team left government buildings without talking to the media.
A spokesperson said that progress was made in the areas under discussion today.
Earlier today, Green Party Chairman John Gormley said today's talks were focused on transport and the environment.
Mr Gormley said the party was determined to see the current negotiating process through.
Green Party Transport Spokesman Eamon Ryan had joined his party's negotiating team today for their third session with Fianna Fáil.
All paid up Green Party members will have a say in approving any deal at their weekend conference, but at this stage it is not possible to say whether they're likely to have anything to vote on.
The talks are to continue tomorrow at 2pm.
