Minister of State Timmy Dooley said it was his understanding that there would be a disciplinary hearing on Thursday evening, from which there would be a report, an assessment and a determination of responsibility.

Simon Coveney said employers will want to avoid large-scale redundancies because of the effects of the sweeping 20 per cent US tariffs.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said they have not yet had a ‘substantive’ response to their policy priorities outlined during formation talks.

The Taoiseach said he did not doubt the sincerity of the eight independents vying to be in government.