Tánaiste's reaction: The Tánaiste, Michael McDowell, said he would not comment on a leak of what a tribunal is or is not doing in relation to a personal matter regarding the Taoiseach. He also refused to comment on whether he knew about the tribunal investigation.
"I have no comment whatsoever to make on a leak as to what the tribunal is or is not doing in relation to a personal matter in relation to the Taoiseach. I don't propose to make any comment whatsoever."
But he said the investigation would not affect the cohesion of the coalition.
"It will not [ affect the cohesion of the Government] and I am not aware of any issue that threatens the stability of this Government."
Asked about proposed new legislation that would enable a government to abolish tribunals, Mr McDowell said his attitude to it was the same as to every other piece of legislation - "the sooner, the better".
He said the Government would not use the Bill to dissolve tribunals because they were causing political problems.
"You can rest assured of one thing: the Government established these tribunals and their longevity is not something which will be decided by reference to the subject matter of this investigation."
Mr McDowell is attending a two-day meeting of EU justice ministers in Tampere, Finland.
The Bill, which is a response to the escalating cost of the tribunals of inquiry, will clarify how the tribunals do their work and who is eligible to legal representation.
But the most contentious element is the proposal to allow the Government to wind up tribunals, as long as it has the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas.