Fine Gael presents proposals to Independents in hope of forming a government

Fine Gael has given Independents a document it says it hopes could be a road map for the formation of a Government, including looking at closed Garda stations and tackling high interest rates charged by banks.

The party is to meet with the Independents again tomorrow morning ahead of Dáil votes to elect a Taoiseach, which are expected to see the stalemate continue.

Meanwhile, Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin are expected to hold a meeting tomorrow evening, though arrangements for it are yet to be made.

The 110-page document was circulated to the Independents this evening and to Fine Gael TDs ahead of a Parliamentary Party Meeting.

It contains 16 policy areas where discussions have taken place.

However, it is unlikely to be the total as issues such as Irish Water will no doubt need to be added.

While much of the document is a reworking of manifesto proposals, it does contain some concessions.

Among these is to ask the policing authority to review the locations of Garda stations, which could see previously closed stations recommended to be re-opened.

Another proposal is to look at regulation and legislation to lower mortgage interest rates.

Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny also told Independents this evening that he will meet with Micheál Martin tomorrow.

While no arrangements for the meeting are yet in place, it is expected to happen tomorrow evening after the Dáil votes.

Meanwhile, a number of changes to the way the Dáil will operate have been agreed by a cross-party committee.

They include changing Dáil time for business between Government and Opposition on a 60-40 basis.

More technical groups to allow for speaking time are also proposed.

Votes will also be scheduled for a fixed time, rather than at various times throughout the day, and a formal way of abstaining from a vote will be allowed.

Other changes to the scheduling of business, scheduling of legislation and family-friendly sitting hours will be examined in the coming weeks.