Parties 'on brink of deal'
Just a small number of issues now divide Fine Gael and Labour from striking a deal on coalition government.
Progress has been made by Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore on issues that had blocked a agreement between the negotiating teams.
It is understood both sides have agreed on the size of taxes and spending cuts by the government, and on deadlines for fiscal corrections to be made.
They have also agreed to split the Department of Finance with a new Minister for Public Sector Reform.
In the past few minutes, Fine Gael negotiator Phil Hogan told reporters they're on the brink of a deal.
"A small number of issues have to be decided by the party leaders," he said, adding that the sides were still hopeful of a deal being struck tonight.
