Michael Moynihan, Jerry Buttimer and Christopher O'Sullivan become Ministers of State, while Colm Burke does not retain his junior ministry. 

The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardaí among its priorities.

With a new coalition government likely to be formed on Wednesday, Donal O’Keeffe spoke with some political scientists about the history of coalitions in Ireland, and what lessons incoming Taoiseach Micheál Martin, himself a historian, might learn from the past.

A row has erupted over the allocation of speaking time in the new Dáil with Government-ing TDs.

Cork South-Central Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice said a government with Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael and Independent TDs is the most likely scenario.

Mr Harris also said it is “possible” there will be a Government by January 22, adding that formation talks have been “going really well”.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are expected to re-enter government together and replace the Greens with a group of independents as junior partners.

Tánasite Micheál Martin said Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael deputy leaders had 'good, positive engagement' during meeting. 

Asked if Green Party leader Eamon Ryan could be offered a stint as Taoiseach if the coalition was re-elected, Mr Varadkar made clear that could only happen if the Greens secured around the same number of seats as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.