The former Minister for Communications has disputed a claim made by the Taoiseach that he only told him about additional meetings with David McCourt yesterday morning, and not on Wednesday night.
Denis Naughten stepped down from his role at the cabinet table yesterday after it was revealed he met businessman David McCourt in private, multiple times.
Mr McCourt is heading up the last remaining bid for the National Broadband Plan contract.
Deputy Naughten claimed the Taoiseach knew all the details of his meetings with the broadband bidder in a midnight phone call between both men on Wednesday.
He says no-one at yesterday morning’s meeting showed any surprise when additional appointments with Mr McCourt were mentioned.
Meanwhile, a number of Government representatives have defended the role of Clare’s Junior Minister in the Communication Minister’s resignation.
Junior Business Minister, Pat Breen admitted to facilitating one of the private dinners which Deputy Naughten attended.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney last night defended Minister Breen, while Health Minister Simon Harris today says it’s a Minister’s responsibility to ensure all engagements are appropriate to attend.
Clare’s Senator Martin Conway also says his party colleague has done nothing wrong.
