Katherine Zappone has declined an invitation to attend a Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to discuss her controversial appointment as a UN Special Envoy.
Earlier this month, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney apologised to the committee over what he described as the "political fiasco" surrounding the appointment of Ms Zappone to a UN role.
It had been hoped the former Government minister would appear to give her side of the story.
She would ultimately decline the special envoy appointment after serious uproar, which included a motion of no-confidence in Minister Coveney.
Foreign Affairs Committee chair Charlie Flanagan confirmed Ms Zappone would not attend a hearing despite being extended an invite to discuss the long-running debacle.
“I can confirm that Dr Katherine Zappone has declined an invitation to attend a meeting with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to discuss the matter of special envoys,” Mr Flanagan said.
The controversy got even bigger after it emerged the Taoiseach was “blindsided” that a memo went to Cabinet about Ms Zappone taking up the new role.
Minister Coveney had twice appeared before an Oireachtas committee to explain his role in the appointment, but gave inconsistent testimonies.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin also admitted that mistakes were made in the appointment, but said he supported Mr Coveney.
