The Independent North Tipperary TD, Mr Michael Lowry, in a statement last night, criticised the media for its coverage of last Tuesday's sitting of the Moriarty tribunal.
He said "hurt and damage is inflicted to my public and business reputation in the waiting time for the opportunity to refute the suggestions made."
Mr Lowry said: "The procedures of the tribunal restrain me in commenting to the media on matters arising at last Tuesday's sitting of the tribunal.
"However, in view of the totally inaccurate conclusions conveyed to the public by the media and after legal consultation, I feel compelled to state the following:
"My legal team and I have at all times afforded total co-operation to the `Moriarty Tribunal' in the course of its investigations and we will continue to do so. "The matters under investigation in the next phase of the inquiry were outlined by counsel for the tribunal on Tuesday last.
"At the end of the hearing the chairman of the inquiry, the Honourable Mr Justice Michael Moriarty observed that the matters opened gave an outline of the evidence to be produced rather than setting forth any final or even provisional conclusion.
"The Honourable Judge at the end of the hearing expressed the belief that the high standards of coverage and objective reporting would be observed in dealing with the matter as outlined.
"I am restrained from making specific public comment at this point in time but would ask if the media can in conscience feel that they have upheld the Honourable Judge's wishes. "The hurt and damage to my public and business reputation is inflicted during the waiting time for the opportunity to refute the suggestions made.
"It is my intention, and that of my legal team, to produce appropriate evidence to vigorously defend my position and my conduct in these matters.
"I am confident that when I am afforded the opportunity at the tribunal I will give a satisfactory explanation of the matters which have been raised."