Mr Bobby Molloy has apologised for a contact made on his behalf to a judge in a rape case.
He admitted tonight that his actions were "highly improper" but denied that he had made any attempt to influence the court.
Mr Molloy, the Minister for State at the Department of Environment, made the statement this evening after a judge in a rape case complained of "improper" contact made with him.
Mr Justice Philip O'Sullivan said he received a "totally improper approach" on behalf of the Progressive Democrats TD, or someone claiming to represent him. The caller, a woman, asked him if he had received a "communication" from the sister of a man accused of raping his daughter.
He said she claimed to represent Mr Molloy and asked if he could be telephoned at home. He refused, adding that he was very surprised that someone "of the status of a government minister" would make such an approach.
Mr Justice O'Sullivan said he told the caller he would not discuss the case at this stage of the proceedings and that it was quite improper that any such approach should be made.
Mr Molloy said this evening he had been asked by a woman in his Galway West constituency to make enquiries over a letter she had sent to the judge in relation to the case.
"In good faith, I then requested an official in my office to enquire from the judge’s secretary as to whether or not her letter had been received," Mr Molloy said.
"I now fully accept that any enquiry relating to a case should have been made to the court registrar."
He added that "unfortunately" the phone call went directly to the judge, "who very correctly terminated the conversation immediately".
"At no stage was I or my official motivated by any intention to influence the judge," he said. "At no stage did I suggest that direct contact should be made to the judge at his chambers or at his home."
"I deeply regret any offence caused to the court, the judge, the victim and the public."
Mr Molloy admitted this evening on RTÉ that his actions were "highly improper".
"In all my 37 years in the Dáil, it's become quite clear that under no circumstances should a politician make any advances to a judge," he said.
He said that he had no idea of the circumstances of the case, which involved a Conamara man accused of raping his daughter over the course of 14 years. The accused was found guilty and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Fine Gael’s justice spokesman, Mr Alan Shatter TD, said this afternoon that if the Minister was found to have interceded in the case, it would be "scandalously inappropriate" and would "call into question" his fitness to remain in office.
Labour's Mr Brendan Howlin and Mr John Gormley of the Green Party also called for Mr Molloy to resign.
"Minister Molloy has crossed the dividing line that separates the executive from the judiciary," Mr Howlin said, calling on the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to act on the matter.
"It's standard practice for the Opposition to call on me to resign," Mr Molloy replied to the calls, adding that he would be consulting with the Progressive Democrats party.
