Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the filming of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in a nightclub, branding it a "breach of privacy".
A video of the Fine Gael leader socialising was widely shared online last week.
Social media giant TikTok confirmed to the Irish Mirror that the clip had been removed from the platform.
Read More : First picture of Meath stabbing victim as two murder probes are launched
There were multiple reports in the weekend newspapers that Fine Gael backbenchers and ministers had raised concerns about the number of “controversies” engulfing their party leader.
It was suggested that some members raised concerns about the sharing of a confidential GP document, as well as the video.
Asked about the controversy on Newstalk Breakfast on Monday morning, the Taoiseach said Mr Varadkar and other politicians are entitled to their private lives.
“Leo Varadkar’s life, my life, everyone's private life is their private life,” Mr Martin said. “I do not in any shape or form condone any breach of that privacy.
“I think it's wrong, in my view, to be breaching that privacy in terms of filming people in a social context. I think that's wrong, the breach of privacy that's involved there.
“I'm not so sure there is, around Leinster House, that degree of concern that has been suggested.”
Mr Varadkar previously declined to comment on the video and the invasion of his personal life.
He told the Irish Mirror: “I think it’s very much a personal matter and as you say it does relate entirely to my private life and for those reasons I don’t want to comment on it.”
Elsewhere on Newstalk, Mr Martin refused to entertain speculation surrounding Saturday’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar will swap the Taoiseach and Tánaiste’s office, with slight changes expected at the Cabinet table.
There have been suggestions that the outgoing Taoiseach will take over the Department of Foreign Affairs.
However, Mr Martin said that conversations about his future portfolio will not take place until later this week with Mr Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan to avoid speculation.
The three party leaders are also expected to discuss the impending reshuffle at their weekly leaders’ meeting this Monday evening.
READ NEXT:
Missing Amy Fitzpatrick was paid to go on 'drugs runs' before disappearance
First woman to get Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland dies as tributes are paid
Exact dates social welfare payments will be made over Christmas 2022
Cash-strapped RTE spend over €80k launching their annual new season event
Hopes Pogues star Shane MacGowan will be home for Christmas after deadly virus
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
