Talks to finalise the Cabinet reshuffle are not set to conclude until next Friday night.
While the three Government party leaders will address the issue during their weekly meeting on Monday night, there is unlikely to be any significant decisions made until Friday, it has emerged.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will be in Brussels from Wednesday to Friday where he will attend a summit of EU Leaders.
However, it seems clear at this stage that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs portfolios will not be swapped between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Comments by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to Fine Gael colleagues last week that he had taken their views on board are being interpreted to mean Fine Gael will keep Rural Affairs and Fianna Fáil will hold on to Agriculture.
Any changes in Cabinet will, it seems, stem from the role the Taoiseach chooses with many still believing that Foreign Affairs is his most likely preference.
There has been a steadfast reticence from his side on the issue, leaving several in Government still trying to guess his next move.
The lack of clarity does serve the purpose of keeping the Taoiseach in full control of proceedings during his last week in office.
One thing which is certain now is that the measures to cut carbon emissions across the economy will not be finalised during Micheál Martin's final week as Taoiseach.
Those in Government involved in talks on this issue say reaching agreement on these measures, which underpin the Climate Action Plan, is proving to be quite a challenge.
There are particular issues in the area of energy, transport and agriculture that still must be worked out with sources indicating that "none of it is easy."
They insist it will be beneficial to take another week "to get it right."
It is anticipated that the final plan will go to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 December, when Leo Varadkar will be back at the helm of Government.
Before all that the Government rotation will formally commence on Friday 16 December when it is expected Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer will replace Fianna Fáil's Mark Daly as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.
