Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the House and the world are aware now, an agreement was reached between the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties in respect of a number of important matters. The discussions taking place with other alliances and groupings are with people who have an interest in participating in making arrangements to run the country. They are not taking place in a sense of virtual reality. I assure Deputy McDonald that these are very real discussions. I can confirm for the Deputy that they are progressing with a sense of urgency. I would like to think that this matter could be concluded this week, but obviously I am not in a position to confirm that finally. I hope today's discussions, which are under way following the discussions and agreement we have had with the Fianna Fáil Party, can be brought to a conclusion and that the matter could be signed off tonight or tomorrow morning. I hope that stage can be reached. I cannot guarantee it but the discussions are very real and they are progressing with a sense of urgency.

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