Negotiators from both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil say they're working to reach a deal allowing the formation of a new government.

But today's talks between the two parties have yet to begin - with no sign of either the Fine Gael or Fianna Fail delegations leaving Leinster House to move to their new talks venue of Trinity College.

While progress has been made in other areas, the future of the Irish Water utility and of the water charges programme remains a key point of difference between the two parties.

Meanwhile Independent TDs meanwhile have hit out at the delays - and accused the parties of trying to engineer a second election.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports: