As concerns grew last week over the relationship between Landmark and Catholic priests, O'Meara confirmed that she was still involved but declined to comment further.

Last year, she told the Sunday Tribune that the group had transformed her life.

Catholic priest Fr Eamonn O'Connor appeared on Liveline on RTE Radio One last week to defend Landmark. Fr O'Connor also contributes to the organisation's website where he supports Landmark's attempts to expand in Ireland. Those attempts will continue over the coming weeks, during a series of meetings planned around Ireland.

Mike Garde, an expert in cults, this weekend called on the Catholic Church in Ireland to distance itself from Landmark and any groups associated with it.

The group was founded by Wernard Erhard, who had to flee America in 1991 after being accused of incest. Multi-million liens for unpaid taxes were placed on his companies. He is currently believed to be living in the Cayman Islands.