The Junior Environment Minister says he doesn't believe there was any conflict of interest in appointing Hilary Quinlan as his driver.

The former Fine Gael councillor and now former Irish Water board member resigned from his position in the semi-state this afternoon over the controversy.

The Tanaiste Joan Burton earlier said she expected Paudie Coffey to explain why he appointed a director of Irish Water as one of his drivers.

Minister Coffey says he accepts the perception is wrong but he says Hilary Quinlan will remain on as a ministerial driver: