Housing issue a stumbling block as Govt talks continue

Housing is proving to be a stumbling block in government formation talks.

The Green Party's looking for more social housing, while Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael want more accommodation for first-time buyers.

The parties will discuss the issue again today during the ninth day of talks, along with local government and climate change.

Negotiators were in full agreement during a session on arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht yesterday.

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan's confident a government will be formed and another general election will be averted.

"At the moment, I think the three parties are working earnest, let's try and get a programme of government that they're all happy with to lead us into the next generation," he said.

"At the moment I can't see a general election because I think the three parties are working very honestly together, they come from three different backgrounds, but they're gone into those negotiations to try and form a government and I think that's very welcome."