Former Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has told RTÉ News that she was "assured" by a Dublin hotel that an event she organised at the venue was "in compliance with Government Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines".
It follows a report in the Irish Independent that Ms Zappone organised an outdoor gathering of 50 friends and former colleagues, including Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, at the Merrion Hotel six days prior to her appointment as UN special envoy on freedom of expression.
In her brief statement, Ms Zappone said that further queries regarding the event should be directed to the hotel itself. This morning, the Labour Party's Duncan Smith called on the former minister to "break her silence" and decline the role.