Fianna Fáil's decided to hold round-table talks with Independent TDs next week - just hours before the Dáil meets to attempt to elect a Taoiseach.

The move may affect plans by the Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny to initiate contact with Micheál Martin as early as tomorrow.

Independent TDs are due back in Government Buidings this morning to talk to Fine Gael about a range of issues, including political and constitutional reform, health and childcare.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan is due to join the talks tomorrow to lay out the party's position on the economy and housing, and what is affordable.

Last night Fine Gael sources were adamant that Enda Kenny will only contact Fianna Fáil and other opposition parties once he's agreed a programme of priorities with Independents to see what support would be forthcoming.

But it's not clear if that will happen tomorrow, as was previously planned.

Fianna Fáil's decision to schedule round talble talks on Monday and Tuesday - just before the Dáil is due to meet on Wednesday - may see a change of tack from Fine Gael.

Micheál Martin's written to Government Departments requesting that civil servants be available for the negotiations, which could go down to the wire before the Dáil meets.