The Green Party has denied claims that Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan expressed support for a Fine Gael motion backing the work of the Mahon tribunal.
Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central Simon Coveney had earlier suggested that Mr Ryan's expression of support for the inquiry, in an interview on Newstalkradio, constituted support for his party's proposed private member's motion expressing confidence in the work of the tribunal.
In the interview, Mr Ryan the tribunal was "acting independently, without bias and within the remit contained in the terms of reference set by the Oireachtas."
The Minister also said that he and his party have consistently said "that we do have confidence in the Mahon tribunal."
A Green Party spokeswoman, however, told ireland.com it was wrong to suggest that Minister Ryan is backing a Fine Gael motion.
She said: "The Green Party has always expressed its confidence in the Mahon tribunal and said that it should be allowed to continue its work."
"The three Government parties will discuss the drafting of a counter-motion before the Dail debate takes place," she added.
In his statement, Mr Coveney said he welcomed "Mr Ryan's support for the Fine Gael motion" and looked forward to similar support from the other Green TDs.
He also challenged Mr Ryan "to make his views on the tribunal clear, not only on radio, but around the Cabinet table and to challenge Fianna Fáil Ministers who were marched out to attack and undermine the tribunal during the Taoiseach's evidence before Christmas."
