A spokesperson for the Taoiseach has denied that video footage from the Dáil has been examined to find out who found and leaked Micheal Lowry's controversial note to Enda Kenny.

The Public Expenditure Minister says the new state board appointments process is a "sea change" - but admits there may still be controversies ahead.

The Environment Minister Alan Kelly says Michael Lowry's controversial note to the Taoiseach Enda Lenny contained a "silly and stupid" comment, but would not go so far as to call it sexist.

Michael Lowry has defended passing a note to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny recommending his former adviser to a State Board. The note said the female advisor "wasn't bad looking".