Enda Kenny has denied any similarity between the case of Beverly Flynn and a member of his own party who continued to receive independent allowances for three years after joining Fine Gael.
Dr Liam Twomey, now a Fine Gael Senator, but elected to the Dáil as an independent in Wexford in 2002, received €96,000 in allowances as an independent after he had joined Fine Gael in 2004.
Mr Kenny said that Dr Twomey's case bears no resemblance to Ms Flynn, because Dr Twomey had offered his allowance to Fine Gael central funds.
Mr Kenny also said that Dr Twomey was told by Fine Gael that he was entitled to the allowance and he was advised to keep it for his own constituency uses.
Elsewhere, one cabinet minister described her decision to keep accepting the annual payment of €41,000 as 'foolish'.
Speaking on Today FM, Éamon O Cuiv said the Mayo TD was unwise to continue claiming the money and that she was foolish to do so.
The Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs also said the law governing the payment of the allowance should be examined.
On the same programme junior minister Martin Mansergh said were he in a similar situation he would renounce the payment.
The Green Party leader has also entered the controversy over the allowance paid to Fianna Fail TD Beverley Flynn.
John Gormley TD said the payment sent out a very bad signal at this time and he was glad the Taoiseach was to meet Ms Flynn on the matter.
