Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin says he's hopeful a new government can be formed within the next three weeks.
He has confirmed talks are continuing between his party and Fine Gael, with a view to an economic recovery following the pandemic.
They'll need a third group to sign up before they can make up the numbers they need, though.
He wouldn't be drawn on whether the position of Taoiseach will be rotated, and if so, who would take it first.
"In my view we have to focus on the policy agenda first and get that right.
"We have an understanding, we did discuss these issues.
"I think the important thing is for the parties to continue with it, and see can we get a programme for government agreed within the next two weeks, and also can we get others on board who would subscribe or add to or have an input into that programme for government."
