'Time to move on': Taoiseach downplays Zappone appointment as Coveney 'oversight'

Mr Martin said Mr Coveney has been “at pains” to point out that he was not trying to pull a fast one at Cabinet with the appointment and said it is “now time to move on”.

Micheál Martin confirmed he was not notified ahead of Cabinet yesterday of Ms Zappone's appointment. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said an oversight by Minister Simon Coveney was the cause of him not being told in advance of Katherine Zappone’s appointment as a Special Envoy.

Mr Martin was left “blindsided” by Mr Coveney at Cabinet on Tuesday and raised concerns during the meeting about the process and the merit of the envoy role.