Former Fianna Fáil minister Pat Carey has stepped down as the party director of elections, saying he does not know if he is the minister at the centre of a garda investigation into sex abuse.

In a statement released through his solicitor, Mr Carey said that he has decided to step down following "the rumour and innuendo surrounding a newspaper article published yesterday entitled ‘Former Minister investigated by Gardai over child abuse claims’."

"Mr Carey is deeply upset to be contacted by various journalists on this matter when he has no knowledge of the actual complaints allegedly made.

Mr Carey "absolutely and unconditionally denies any impropriety in this matter or in his 30 years experience as a teacher; as a community worker and in his public life," the statement said.

"He was distraught to first learn of these matters on the front page of a national newspaper. He is also concerned at comments allegedly attributed to the Gardai in media articles in the past 24 hours.

"Mr Carey is a respected person and entitled to his good name. However, in order to allow the good work of the organisations that he is involved in to continue without controversy or distraction he will step aside from all such roles to allow any investigation to take place. This includes his role as Chairman and member many community and church related organisations. He will also step down from his role as Director of Elections for Fianna Fail and as a member of the Fianna Fail party.

"Mr Carey does not know if the allegations mentioned in the national press relate to him but given the unfounded speculation that has arisen he is taking this action of his own volition and with a heavy heart.

"Mr Carey will not be making any other public statement and the matter will be dealt with through his solicitors.”

A Fianna Fáil Spokesperson has said "We have received confirmation of Pat Carey's decision to step aside from his role as Director of Elections and as a member of Fianna Fáil.

"He has outlined his reasons for this in his own statement released through his solicitors. An announcement on his replacement as Director of Elections will be made in due course."