Attempts by the Opposition to raise the reappointment of Joe Burke as chairman of the Dublin Port Company were ruled out of order by Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue.
He explained that it could not be raised on the Order of Business under the House's standing orders.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that in 2002, the then attorney general Michael McDowell had raised the issue of non-consultation with his party about certain State appointments. At that time a structure was put in place to deal with the problem.
He asked Tánaiste Brian Cowen, who was taking the Order of Business, to confirm Mr Burke's appointment and say if the structures put in place in 2002 were followed.
Had there been consultation with the PDs and the Green Party?
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the cabinet handbook stated that all government and ministerial appointments should be published in Iris Oifigiúil as soon as could be arranged following the appointment.
"The Ceann Comhairle might demonstrate some laxity and ask the Tánaiste to confirm why - if it is true that the Taoiseach's very best friend has been reappointed - this did not go to Cabinet," he added.
Mr O'Donoghue said that Mr Rabbitte would have to pursue the matter another way as it was not in order.
