Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould wants to make a statement to the Dáil regarding alleged financial irregularities at a Cork company which he used to work for.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Deputy Gould "emphatically rejects the allegations made against him" and has written to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy for an opportunity to speak in the Dáil chamber after the recess for Saint Patrick's Day.
She said the Cork North Central TD believes that he will "vindicate himself in full".
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Ms McDonald said she was happy to answer questions on the matter "inside or outside the Dáil".
"I think when an issue becomes a matter of public concern, I think that it's important to be upfront and to be transparent," she added.
Asked if deputy Gould should step aside as Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing until the issue is resolved, Ms McDonald replied: "Thomas Gould has cooperated with the gardaí, he's given a very very detailed statement... and in the meantime he has to get on with his job representing the people of Cork North Central and I know he'll be anxious to do that."
This afternoon the Oireachtas confirmed that the Ceann Comhairle has received a request from Deputy Gould to make a statement to the Dáil.
It is currently unclear when a decision will be taken on the application.
Speaking in the United States, Taoiseach Micheál Martin questioned the request to address the Dail, citing the separation of powers he said due process should run its course.
In a statement issued last Saturday, Sinn Féin said: "In early February, deputy Thomas Gould informed the party that a complaint had been made against him to the gardaí and that he had been asked to make a statement on the matter.
"He was interviewed by gardaí in Cork yesterday [Friday] and made a detailed statement to them."
In a separate statement issued through Cork-based solicitors Martin A Harvey, Mr Gould repeated the Sinn Féin position.
He said he "utterly rejects the complaint" made against him and is "entirely innocent".
Mr Gould said he was "shocked and angry" when the issue emerged.
He continued that as he is being treated for bowel cancer, he proactively sought an interview with gardaí, before describing the allegations as an "attack on my reputation" and that he is confident he will be vindicated.
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