The cabinet is meeting this lunchtime to discuss plans for a full public inquiry into the treatment of Maurice McCabe.

The meeting was delayed after Enda Kenny met with the Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin to discuss the plans.

The Taoiseach proposed scrapping the planned Commission of Investigation in favour of some form of public inquiry - Micheal Martin brought his ideas for terms of reference.

They're now being discussed at cabinet, where the position of the Independent Alliance will be keenly watched.

They were known to be angry that Katherine Zappone didn't tell colleagues about a Tusla file on Maurice McCabe - sources suggested they're now angry that Enda Kenny knew about it too.

There is a sense around Leinster House now, however, that despite the major contradictions between various ministers around knowledge of the Tusla file on McCabe, the government WILL survive this scandal.

McCabe's demands for a public inquiry mean Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have something to unite behind, in the midst of a Dáil vote in a motion of no confidence being pushed by Sinn Féin.

For now the focus is on the format of an inquiry - with wide support for public hearings. 

In the meantime debate continues about the role of the Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, and whether she should be allowed to remain in place while being asked to attend public hearings under oath about an alleged smear campaign.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: