The Minister for Foreign Affairs has called for an apology for "disgraceful" comments made by a priest in Co Kerry during a mass in Listowel at the weekend.
The remarks were made by retired priest Seán Sheehy, who was deputising for the Parish Priest of Listowel, Fr Declan O'Connor.
Fr Sheehy made disparaging remarks about abortion, transgenderism and homosexuality during his homily.
A number of people left the church in protest at the priest's homily.
Speaking to reporters in Belfast, Minister Simon Coveney said the remarks were disgraceful.
"I think they're disgraceful comments and I think they are a reflection on the person that made those comments rather than anything else, and they should be withdrawn and there should be an apology," he said.
Meanwhile a spokesperson for Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that while he "profoundly disagrees with Fr Sheehy's views" he "respects his right to express his religious beliefs freely".
"The Tánaiste does not believe that gay people will go to hell for being who they are, nor does he believe that any man or woman can make such a judgment."
"As Pope Francis said, 'who are we to judge'. As the Bible says, judge not lest you be judged. We are all God's children," the spokesperson added.
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik has said she utterly condemns the views and comments of Fr Sheehy, describing them as "deeply hurtful and quite shocking".
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, she said the majority in Irish society want to see a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Yesterday the Catholic Bishop of Kerry, Bishop Ray Browne, apologised to "all who were offended" saying the views expressed "do not represent the Christian position".
However, speaking on RTÉ's News at One Fr Sheehy said he was standing by his comments because they were based on scriptures and the teaching of the church.
