Talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to agree a Programme for Government have resumed with both sides aiming to have an administration in place when the Dáil meets again on 22 January.
The Regional Independent group has also met to resume its deliberations on a policy platform in anticipation of a formal invitation to enter government formation talks later this week.
The group intends to negotiate and act as a cohesive unit in the talks, which will focus on constituency issues and other matters.
The group comprises of Seán Canney, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Michael Lowry, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Gillian Toole.
The negotiating team consists of Mr Lowry, Mr Canney and Ms Harkin.
The task of nailing down a final Programme for Government is progressing well although all sides insist that the days ahead will not be simple.
If a document is agreed between the parties then its membership would have the final say before a government was formed.
The overall shape of the next government is set to see Micheál Martin serve as Taoiseach first and probably for a longer duration than Fine Gael leader Simon Harris.
Meanwhile, a group lobbying for more women in politics has called for 40% of new cabinet ministers to be female.
Women for Election staged a demonstration outside Government Buildings this morning, which also coincided with Nollaig na mBan or Little Christmas, the day that traditionally was seen as a day dedicated to women after the busy Christmas season.
The group was joined by students from Loreto College in Bray, who were supporting the call for more women in politics.
Student Harriet Lerner said getting more women into ministerial jobs would be a way to encourage more women into politics.
"Yes 100%, we really need to represent the women of Ireland in government and also as role models for younger girls so we can get more women into politics. It's really important that girls all over Ireland to be inspired and encouraged towards a career in politics," Harriet said.
Fellow student Anna Lazdane Vuletic agreed.
"I think that more women should be represented in the Irish government, as only a few have been. It's inspirational to see women in government and it would inspire so many more young girls."
Additional reporting Joe Mag Raollaigh
