Deputy Collins denies any wrongdoing in the matter.
A Fianna Fail junior minister has backed his colleague Niall Collins - describing him as a ‘straightforward and upfront guy’.
Minister of State Niall Collins is at the centre of an investigation by news outlet, The Ditch, which claims his wife purchased property from Limerick County Council in 2008
In a statement the Minister of State for Higher Education says the land in Patrickwell was sold following a 'transparent and open sales process, which was open to all'.
He's also says he was not a member of the council in September 2008 when the decision to sell was approved, having been elected as a TD in May 2007
Junior Minister and Laois Offaly TD Sean Fleming has come out in support his party colleague:
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