Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are once again back in talks on forming a government.

Fianna Fáil has said today will be a pivotal day but is hopeful of concluding a deal in the coming days.

Acting Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said he is hopeful of reaching a final deal over the weekend.

When asked if trust between the two parties was a barrier to making progress, Varadkar said there was a “long history” of difference between them.

“Well we are different parties, there’s a long history of rivalry between the parties,” said Varadkar.

“Trust has been an issue in the past, but I have to say the people we have been dealing with across the table have been very frank, very up front and very professional in their dealings with us.”