The Department of Foreign Affairs is investigating reports that the private plane of the ex-president of Panama landed in Shannon yesterday.

Panamian newspaper La Prensa said the plane touched down in Shannon at 3:20am yesterday morning, leaving later in the direction of London.

Ricardo Martinelli, whose term as president finished last July, is facing charges of corruption.

Last week, the Supreme Court in Panama voted in favour of investigating Mr Martinelli over claims he had inflated multi-million dollar contracts.

The former president has claimed he is the victim of political persecution.

Mr Martinelli's successor in office, Juan-Carlos Varela, promised during his campaign to clean up politics.

It is understood Ireland has no extradition agreement with Panama.