The first decisive moves towards the formation of a minority government have begun with exploratory talks today between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Negotiating teams from the two parties met this morning and agreed to meet again early next week for detailed discussions.

In an identical statement on Saturday night both parties said: “Following exploratory talks this morning, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil negotiating teams have agreed to meet early next week to discuss how a viable minority government would work.”

The move represents a recognition by Fine Gael that its offer of a full partnership government with Fianna Fáil is not a viable option following its outright rejection by the main Opposition party.

The Dáil meets again on Thursday but it is not clear whether the discussions on the shape of a minority government will have concluded by then.

The 15 or so Independents who have taken an interest in government formation are likely to await the outcome of the talks between the two main parties before commiting themselves to participation in a minority government.