Zappone mentioned UN appointment to Tánaiste 11 days before Cabinet meeting 

Newly-released texts show that Leo Varadkar then raised the issue with Simon Coveney eight days before Taoiseach Micheál Martin learned of the appointment

The messages were released by Leo Varadkar this afternoon as controversy continues to swirl around Katherine Zappone's appointment. Photo: Gareth Chaney

Katherine Zappone mentioned her appointment as UN Special Envoy to Tánaiste Leo Varadkar 11 days before the appointment came to Cabinet.

Newly-released texts show that Mr Varadkar then raised the issue with Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney three days later, eight days before Taoiseach Micheál Martin learned of the appointment.