A new government could be in sight, after a breakthrough in talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Although some details are still to be worked out - the two parties have agreed the basis for a deal on Irish Water - to end two months of stalemate.

An expert commission will be set up to examine the future of charges, and its findings will be subject to a vote by the Dáil.

Speaking after talks last night, Simon Coveney denied Fine Gael had 'caved in':

It's understood however that the two parties have yet to agree on how long water charges should be suspended for in the meantime.

Fianna Fail's Jim O'Callaghan would not confirm details - but said good progress was made in five hours of talks last night: