The Taoiseach has said laws to improve the political ethics system could be approved as early as next week.

It follows an RTÉ documentary broadcast last night in which a number of politicians appeared to accept bribes or failed to declare vested interests.

The programme has prompted the resignation from Fianna Fáil of councillor Joe Queenan.

Two other Independent Councillors featured in the programme have defended their actions, with one of them, John O'Donnell, threatening to sue RTÉ for breaching his right to privacy.

Meanwhile Fine Gael Councillor Tom McHugh, who also appeared in the programme, has rejected any accusation of corruption: