The independent body that monitors ethics in public office has confirmed it has corresponded with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern following two complaints from members of the public about money he accepted from a group of businessmen in the early 1990s.
In a statement, the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) said it received two complaints from members of the public following the reports late last year that Mr Ahern got more than £39,000 (€50,000) in two payments in 1993 and 1994.
SIPO statement
"The Commission has corresponded with the Taoiseach on the matter and has received his full co-operation," the statement said.
"The Commission has not initiated an investigation of the complaints nor has it decided to appoint an inquiry officer in relation to the matter. The Standards Commission will shortly complete its consideration of these complaints."
SIPO told The Irish Timesearlier this week it had no comment to make on the matter.
A spokeswoman for the Taoiseach said she was not aware of any inquiry but did confirm there had been correspondence with SIPO.
The complaints to the standards body claim legislation was breached in relation to appointments made by Mr Ahern to State boards, and also claim that he did not declare any benefit from the loans.
It is not known who the complainants are.
Mr Ahern stated in the Dáil, after details of the payments emerged last September, that he did not breach any ethics rules or laws.
SIPO cannot act on a possible breach of ethics legislation of its own accord, but can only do so if it gets an official complaint. When a complaint is made to the commission an informal inquiry is undertaken. If it is deemed there is a case to answer, an inquiry officer is appointed to formally investigate.
Mr Ahern confirmed last September that he received more than £39,000 (€50,000) in two payments in 1993 and 1994, and a third separate contribution of £8,000 after he attended a business dinner in Manchester.
Mr Ahern said no repayments had ever been made and no interest had ever been paid on it, though the donors still accept it is a loan, not a gift. In October Mr Ahern said he wrote several cheques repaying the money given to him which inflation and interest brought to over €90,000.