Suggestions the Government tried to bury news about housing to avoid scrutiny is 'a total and utter fabrication.'
The Government this week published details of its updated Housing for All policy – on the same day RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy appeared before Oireachtas Committees.
On The Hard Shoulder that evening Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin accused Minister O’Brien of burying the news – claiming the Government was desperate to ensure people didn't pay attention to their policies.
He said the Government was "cynically launching this report at the same time Ryan Tubridy and his agent are in front of the relevant Oireachtas Committees."
Minister O'Brien told Newstalk Breakfast this is simply untrue.
"I'm not one for mud-slinging but that is a total and utter fabrication," he said.
"We publish the report quarterly... it's a stretch even for Eoin Ó Broin.
"The idea that we would try to coordinate that with a date for a hearing, that we didn't even know whether Mr Tubridy and his agent were coming in, is a complete and utter fabrication.
"Our plan's been published from day one, it's fully-funded and we've set out our targets.
"I would contrast that with the lack of a Sinn Féin housing plan at all.
"Eoin Ó Broin's comments in relation to the timing of it are just wholly incorrect - and a real stretch, even for him," he added.
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