Formal discussions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to draw up a new programme for government have begun.
The party's deputy leaders, Jack Chambers and Helen McEntee, met this evening to set the ground rules for the talks.
Both sides described the meeting as "positive" and said that Mr Chambers and Ms McEntee discussed "the structure and format for the talks".
The statement added that a meeting of the full negotiating teams would take place tomorrow.
The start of the discussions follows a meeting yesterday between Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and his Fine Gael counterpart Simon Harris, which was described as a "positive" and "constructive" engagement.
The two sides have pledged to engage constructively to put in place a stable government that can last five years.
While these discussions will focus on policy areas such as housing, health, justice and the cost of living, there are some indications of a broad agreement on the structure of government.
A joint statement issued after Mr Martin and Mr Harris met yesterday, spoke of a government being underpinned by mutual respect.
That is being interpreted as a signal that the office of Taoiseach will again be rotated evenly between the parties.
Bacik meets leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael
Labour leader Ivana Bacik met the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders this afternoon as her party weighs up its next move.
In a statement, Labour said that Ms Bacik outlined key policy priorities to both Mr Martin and Mr Harris.
"There was discussion in both meetings on policies and manifesto commitments on housing, health, climate, workers' rights and disability services among other issues," the statement said.
"The parliamentary party will meet at 1pm on Friday where the party leader will provide an assessment of engagement to date and consider the outcome of these meetings."
A spokesman for Mr Harris said there had been a "constructive engagement" with Ms Bacik.
"The Taoiseach is grateful for the time and engagement on a range of substantial policy issues," he added.
The spokesman said that Mr Harris had also met independent TDs who are aligned in what is called the regional group.
"These meetings have been productive," he added.
Separately, the Regional Independent TDs will gather in Dublin tomorrow to discuss the outcome of their initial contact with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Soc Dems 'want to go into government' - O'Callaghan
Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan said his party "wants to go into government", but will only do so if its "deal breakers" on health, housing and a senior minister for disability are met.
Mr O'Callaghan was speaking during a Social Democrats news conference in which he insisted the party is genuinely open to talks.
"The Social Democrats want to go into government, it's very clear from our campaign that five more years of the same would really be very negative for the country," he told reporters at Leinster House.
Mr O'Callaghan said the party wants to address housing, climate and hospital emergency department issues, as well as the implementation of Sláintecare and the appointment of a senior minister for disabilities.
He confirmed that he and his negotiating team of Jennifer Whitmore and Gary Gannon "will be meeting with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael" tomorrow and that "we're looking to see what can be done to get our deal breakers implemented as part of the next programme for government".
"The people we met during the campaign want urgent action from us and from everyone who was elected to get these issues resolved," he added.
Asked if the Social Democrats are not "at the top of list" of potential coalition partners for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, should such a government be formed, Mr O'Callaghan said: "We can't really speculate as to what might happen at those meetings or what might happen afterwards."
"We should be able to give you an indication after those meetings, but at this point, we have to be optimistic that we can make some headway on these areas that need action.
"I cannot contemplate five more years of same government, same sort of policies, and not a very strong change in direction," he added.
Additional reporting Fiachra Ó Cionnaith
