Deasy, Fine Gael's former spokesman on justice, and currently chairman of the Dail's European Affairs Committee, recently admitted that he illegally worked without declaring his employment to tax authorities in the US. Speaking at an Oireachtas committee meeting on immigration, he revealed that he had spent "many years working illegally in the US". This weekend, however, he refused to explain the circumstances of his illegal status or the nature of his tax affairs.

It is understood that Deasy has travelled to the US on a number of occasions since working there, but has refused to explain whether he informed US immigration that he had previously violated the terms of his visa.

Failure to inform authorities about working or living illegally in the US can result in the permanent exclusion from entry to the US, according to a US immigration service spokesman. Deasy has previously taken a hard line on aspects of illegal immigration here by foreign nationals, particularly against people coming to work under falsified immigration applications.

However, a FG spokesman said party leader Enda Kenny will not be asking Deasy to explain further the nature of his illegal activity in the US.

The spokesman said the FG leader would not be getting involved in the issue as it was a matter for Deasy to answer personally whatever questions were raised, if he felt it was necessary.

Deasy lived in the US for 11 years and was employed legally for at least five years , when he worked as a legislative assistant for Senator John Heinz, and as a legislative assistant in the US House of Representatives for Representative Ronald K Machtley.