Sinn Féin has acknowledged that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was correct and the Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was wrong on the issue of Northern Ireland MPs and MEPs having speaking rights in the Dáil.
Last Friday in The Irish Times Mr Adams wrote that Mr Ahern gave a commitment that "MPs elected in the six counties will be able to speak in the Dáil".
In this newspaper yesterday however, Mr Ahern said there was "much exaggerated comment" on this issue and that what the Government had in mind was much more modest than the right to speak in the Dáil.
"It would not involve speaking rights or privileges in the Dáil, but rather facilitate committee discussions with Northern MPs on matters relating to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday agreement," added Mr Ahern.
Mr Adams is on holidays but his chief spokesman yesterday confirmed that the Taoiseach was correct.
He confirmed that the Taoiseach's offer referred to addressing Dáil committees rather than the Dáil itself.
Mr Adams's spokesman indicated the "confusion" may have arisen over the fact that on occasions Oireachtas committees meet in the Dáil chamber and that Northern MPs could possibly speak at such a committee gathering.
"Perhaps Gerry wasn't qualified enough in what he wrote or didn't explain himself enough," he said.
"That said, we are still seeking speaking rights in the Dáil. We are happy enough that the offer on committees is a step in the right direction but we will be looking for full speaking rights," he added.
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson, in a statement issued before Sinn Féin confirmed its error, said the confusion over the issue raised serious questions "over who is really in charge in the Irish Republic".
"Whatever proposal emerges from this sordid side deal, my party and my community will remain resolutely opposed to anything that undermines the constitutional position of Northern Ireland and drives a horse and cart through the principle of consent," Mr Nicholson said.