The new Tribunal into the alleged smearing of Maurice McCabe could also be extended to include the cases of other whistleblowers.

Enda Kenny says consideration is being given to expanding the new inquiry which was signed off by Cabinet yesterday.

In the Dail this lunchtime however he's again been questioned about his knowledge of the false claims of sex abuse against Maurice McCabe.

Opposition leaders said if the Taoiseach didn't know what the smears against Maurice McCabe were, it would not have been possible for him to link the false allegations of sexual abuse to it.

But the Taoiseach said he was 'clear' in his logic.

Meanwhile the Taoiseach's set for crisis talks with the Independent Alliance - some of whose members cannot state confidence in him.

The group of five TDs has concerns about contradictions in the Taoiseach's account of his knowledge of the McCabe smear controversy.

Their support is needed for the government to prevail in a Dáil vote tonight, on a motion of confidence in itself.