A spokesperson for the Government has said recent reports about the Taoiseach's involvement in the proposed casino are without foundation.
Government Press Secretary Eoghan Ó Neachtain said the National Lottery entered into a non-disclosure agreement with a third party in 1994 but that the Department of Finance was not involved at that time.
He added that it was not until 1998 that the Department was requested by the National Lottery to approve the arrangement and the then Minister did so.
Meanwhile, a Fianna Fáil backbencher has called on the Taoiseach to make a public statement in response to the raft of new allegations about money given to him.
The Cork North Central TD Noel O'Flynn says while he fully supports Bertie Ahern, he believes there are political implications for the claims that were made.
Noel O'Flynn said yesterday's comments from the Taoieach, that it was wrong that a false invoice was used to raise money for him in the 'dig-out' loans from friends, was an important clarification.
He says that it might be a good idea if Mr Ahern went further, and made a statement on the other issues raised in the past week.
He acknowledged that the Taoiseach may be constrained legally as he is due to give evidence to Mahon Tribunal before Christmas.
However, Deputy O'Flynn says there are political implications from the allegations that were made, and it would be in the public interest for Mr Ahern to make a statement.
Deputy O'Flynn said he fully supports the Taoiseach, and is willing to await due process.
