Several Independent TDs will meet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael this afternoon, as efforts to form a government continue.

Rural deputies Marian Harkin, Michael Fitzmaurice and Sean Canney are among those who'll meet the two larger parties.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have agreed to go into government together, but are eight seats short of a Dáil majority.

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice says today's meeting is only the start of the process.