Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats hope to publish an updated version of the programme for government before the Dail resumes on September 28th. Negotiating teams from the two parties met yesterday and will have four further meetings.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell, said neither party "anticipated that these will be a contentious round of meetings. We're very much of the one mind on many of the issues that we have come into focus since we came into government."
Fianna Fail is represented at the review talks by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey. The Progressive Democrat team is led by junior Ministers Mr Bobby Molloy and Ms O'Donnell.
At yesterday's meeting the two sides outlined their priorities for inclusion in a revised version of the 1997 An Action Programme for the Millennium. It is understood that both parties want increased spending on childcare, pensioners and people with disabilities.
Mr Dempsey said the teams would examine "the programme as it has been implemented so far; what is left to be implemented and we'll take cognisance of the changes which have occurred since we came into Government in 1997".
Ms O'Donnell said the revised programme would "help those who have been excluded and need some assistance from the Government in good times".
The document prepared by the teams will go to the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste for approval. Discussions are expected to begin next week with the four independents - Ms Mildred Fox, Mr Harry Blaney, Mr Tom Gildea and Mr Jackie Healy-Rae - who have made deals to support the Government in the Dail.
Mr Dempsey said "the matter of Independents and dealing with Independents is not within our remit". The Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, is expected to oversee the review of commitments already given to the independent deputies.