There have been tetchy exchanges between Taoisech Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin's deputy leader over Independent TD Michael Lowry's support for the minority Fine Gael Government.
The Taoiseach was before the Oireachtas Finance Committee this afternoon where he faced questions about spending in his department.
Responding to a question from Labour TD Joan Burton, Mr Varadkar said the cost of the Moriarty Tribunal to date has been €65 million and it was his best estimate that it will top out at €75 million.
Later, Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty asked: "Do you have any concerns in relation to your Government relying on the support of one of the key characters, the star of the Moriarty Tribunal and your engagement on different occasions with Mr O'Brien, who was also one of the stars of the Moriarty tribunal."
He said: "your Government is supported by Mr Lowry. The Tribunal was very clear that there were payments made from Mr O'Brien to Mr Lowry in the region of close to £1million sterling in different transactions."
The Taoiseach accused Mr Doherty of "mud slinging" and explained that he "bumped into Denis O'Brien in a corridor in Davos over a year ago. What the deputy is making out is ridiculous?"
Mr Doherty questioned how the Government relies on Mr Lowry's support.
The Taoiseach responded by aksing: "Does it concern you that you have people on your benches who have very serious convictions?"
Mr Varadkar said: "I don't believe there is anybody supporting my Government who has serious criminal convictions."
Later, the Taoiseach conceded the most recent homeless figures were "bad and very disappointing". He said that one positive that can be taken from them is that the number of families in emergency accommodation is down.
Mr Varadkar said that he hopes a corner can be turned in the next few months.
At the end of the meeting, Committee chairperson John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach if TDs jobs were secure for 2019 and when the election would be.
Mr Varadkar responded by saying nobody goes into politics for job security. He added that he does not necessarily think he will be the one making the decision on when the election will be.
