The general election is now expected to be called tomorrow - despite agreement on the date this morning.

Polling is now expected on February 26th, but it's understood the Dáil will not be dissolved today.

Having flirted with polling on Thursday the 25th - the exact anniversary of the last election - the two are now set to agree to polling on the following day, Friday the 26th, a more traditional day of the week for voting.

But Today FM understands the Taoiseach does now NOT plan to visit Áras an Úachtaráin today to ask President Higgins for a dissolution, and will do so tomorrow instead.

That's partly because of the discussion about alleged sexual abuse in a south-eastern foster home - which could go to the Dáil this evening for debate on a Commission of Investigation, and which will be raised at the Public Accounts Committee at noon.

That committee would be dissolved as soon as the election is called - and given the sensitivity of the issue, senior ministers do not want the discussions to be rushed.