The Dáil began to resume with the return of Michael Martin as taoiseach

It is the first time since the November elections that a new government has taken nearly five weeks to complete government negotiations.

The new Dáil has already been a source of controversy after a number of independent TDs, including government supporters Michael Lowry, Danny Healy-Rae, Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, sought to speak from the opposition benches.

Verona Murphy, the first woman to hold the role of new Ceann Comhairle (speaker) – also a regional independent – told TDs she would consider submissions against the plan but allowed the group to take their original seats “temporarily”. .

All other opposition groups are against the idea, describing it as stepping on both sides and taking up the time of those who want to check the government.

As part of his Dáil return on Wednesday, Mr Martin will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin at around 1pm local time to meet Irish President Michael D Higgins in the state reception room.

The President will then sign the warrant of appointment and deliver the taoiseach’s seal and the government’s seal to Mr Harris.

Later, around 20:00, the appointment of government members will begin.

The president will sign the appointment warrant for members of the government and the attorney general’s appointment warrant, each of which will be signed by the taoiseach.

The President will then present his seal to each minister in turn.