Minister for Tourism, Culture & Sport Mary Hanafin has admitted that the controversy surrounding Senator Ivor Callely's expenses is an embarrassment to Fianna Fáil.
She has urged Mr Callely to clarify issues as soon as possible.
Senator Callely is accused of using phone receipts from a company that had closed down to claim expenses.
Meanwhile, Independent Senator Rónán Mullen has said the whole system governing political expenses needs to be tightened-up to put it beyond reproach.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Prime Time last night, Senator Mullen also said there should be an outside adjudicator to decide what expenses should be claimed.
A Seanad investigating committee has brought forward by a fortnight a meeting to discuss the controversy surrounding Senator Callely's expenses claims.
The decision to bring forward the Seanad Committee's meeting has put increasing pressure on Mr Callely to break his silence and address the allegations.
