Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil close to deal on minority government after talks breakthrough

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are inching towards a deal on the formation of a minority government which could see Enda Kenny re-elected Taoiseach within days.

Five hours of talks

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While the two parties have not signed off on anything, there is a compromise offer on the table.

This would see charges suspended for possibly up to two years, while a commission looks at a future charging structure.

FG, FF party negotiators say progress has been made in govt formation talks https://t.co/3ldl5I8SFbhttps://t.co/Av86G8xkfm

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 26, 2016

That would then be referred back to an Oireachtas Committee and then a Dáil vote.

While further talks are planned today, it is now thought the two parties could finalise a deal in the next 36 hours.

Fine Gael would then need to conclude talks with Independents and get at least six more of them on board which would guarantee the re-election of Enda Kenny as Taoiseach in a Dáil vote.

Meanwhile, there will be statements on Irish Water in the Dáil for four hours this afternoon.

Sinn Féin has said that is not good enough and a vote on charges should be taking place.