Taoiseach stops short of expressing confidence in Simon Coveney

Sources have said the Taoiseach accepts Minister Coveney gave his testimony in good faith and he has been consistent from the outset with his belief that Katherine Zappone was not asking for a job.

Simon Coveney has apologised for his "sloppiness" and causing "a political embarrassment", over the Katherine Zappone appointment. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has rejected Opposition calls to sack Simon Coveney but insists the Katherine Zappone affair cannot happen again.

However, when asked, Mr Martin's spokesman stopped short of declaring confidence in Mr Coveney.