The Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, said last night he had no questions to answer over a report that he successfully petitioned the Minister for Justice to overturn a litter fine.
Refusing to comment in person, Mr Dempsey told aides he did not believe the incident undermined his position as Minister as it occurred while he was holidaying abroad.
A third party made the petition, which was accompanied by a covering letter from the Minister's office, his spokesman said. Mr Dempsey was "probably" unaware of the request as he was on holiday.
The petition was sought under legislation which allows the Minister for Justice to overturn punishments imposed in the District Courts. The spokesman said the petition was issued in August 1998, but only made public when the Department of Justice released files last week.
The fine was imposed under anti-litter laws on a businessman convicted of placing posters on the windscreens of cars. Mr Dempsey's spokesman said it would be inappropriate to identity either the businessman or the third party who lobbied on his behalf.
The Green Party TD, Mr John Gormley, last night called on the Minister to step down, accusing him of "gross hypocrisy". In the wake of Mr Dempsey's "failure" to intervene in the recent dispute over refuse disposal in Galway, the incident made his position untenable, the Dublin South East TD said.