Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has released a statement after allegations against him this morning.
Claims in the Village Magazine say that the Fine Gael leader shared a confidential Government document with a GP outlining a GP pay deal agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation to another representative group for doctors.
And multiple TDs and the opposition earlier called on Mr Varadkar to address the claims.
In a statement this afternoon the Tanaiste said the claims are "both inaccurate and grossly defamatory".
A statement on behalf of Leo Varadkar says: "Village Magazine has published an article in its current edition which is both inaccurate and grossly defamatory.
"The Tánaiste has sought legal advice on the content of the article.
"The facts are that the 2019 Agreement on GP contractual reforms was negotiated by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) (the “ Agreement ”).
"Following lengthy negotiations, the Agreement was agreed and the essential details of it were publicly announced at the beginning of April 2019.
"On Friday, 5 April 2019, the Agreement was publicly announced by the IMO. The details of it were extensively described in a Press Release that issued on that day. "
MORE TO COME.
