A Fine Gael minister has said there is no prospect of a stable government unless Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil can strike a deal.

Richard Bruton said it was now clear that even if both parties are not part of a government, one will need to support the other on key issues.

Both parties are continuing their talks with smaller groups this week in efforts to build a minority coalition.

Richard Bruton (pictured) said the talks should help come up with an agenda for government that Fianna Fáil would be able to support.

"We need to intensify the discussions with parties who are independents (and) create a broad programme in which there will be confidence," he said.

"We have a lot of good ideas, but there are lots of good ideas from other parties as well.

"What arrangement would be put in place that would allow that government to implement that programme effectively is something that has to be discussed."