A draft programme for government will be distributed later on Wednesday to the TDs

The aim is to put an agreement in place before the Dáil returns on January 22nd.

Fianna Fáil increased its lead over Fine Gael to 10 seats in November’s vote.

The firm which operates a fuel station and grocery shop in the Kerry village of Kilgarvan co-owned by Independent TD, Michael Healy-Rae last year recorded losses of just under €100,000