STAFF at the Department of Agriculture have Written to the Progressive Democrat TD, Mr Des O'Malley, demanding he retract his allegations of collusion between the Department and beef companies in defrauding the State.
Union representatives have also written to the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yates, asking him to clarify remarks he made about staff which they believe could be interpreted as giving credence to the allegations.
The letter to Mr O'Malley condemned his allegations of collusion.
"We request that you provide the requisite evidence and proofs on which these allegations are based. Failing this we ask you to withdraw publicly and without reservation these allegations," said the letter, which was signed by six unions representing all grades in the civil service.
The unions also wrote to Mr Yates expressing concern about comments made by him during Dail Question Time and asking him to clarify his remarks.
In response to questions by Mr O'Malley, the Minister said he normally had interaction with the secretaries and assistant secretaries in his Department. "I have not found a shred of evidence of any collusion or involvement with Mr [Larry] Goodman or his organisation at that level."
Mr O'Malley refused to comment on the letter. The Minister will not see the letter until Monday, a spokesman said.