The Olympic Council of Ireland has refused to answer questions from the Minister for Sport on the ticket touting scandal .

The Council has also rejected a request from Shane Ross to add independent members to its internal investigation team.

Minister Ross says he will consult the Attorney General on the issue.

Minister Shane Ross met with the OCI President Pat Hickey last night and asked him to add independent members to the OCI panel investigating the ticketing controversy.

But the OCI declined the request and refused to answer any questions on the issue on the basis of legal advice.

Pat Hickey told the Minister they can't answer any questions about how Irish man Kevin Mallon came to be arrested in Rio while in posession of hundreds of tickets allocated to Irish supporters - Mr Hickeys justification is for his silence on the issue is it could prejudice the case before the Bazilian courts.

In a statement Minister Ross says the OCI will not provide any information to a third party, including any independent inquiry the Minister might establish, until such time as the case concludes in Rio.

Minister Ross says the Minister accepts that due process and natural justice must take its course, he does not accept that there is any legal basis for refusing to accept independent members on the OCI’s inquiry.

Minister Ross says he will meet with his Junior Minister Patrick O'Donovan, to discuss the issue today and he will also raise the issue with the Attorney General - he will make a decision on the best way forward based these consultations.