A Government spokesperson has said the Taoiseach adhered to public health guidance when he joined friends in Phoenix Park yesterday.

It comes after photos emerged of Leo Varadkar enjoying the sun with his partner and two friends on Sunday afternoon.

The images led to claims he had breached the COVID-19 lockdown, as the park is 8km from his home on Carpenterstown Road in Castleknock.

In a statement this afternoon, a spokesperson said the Taoiseach has been living at the Stewards Lodge on the grounds of Farmleigh House during the COVID-19 emergency.

“The Taoiseach has been in Stewards Lodge during the last few weeks as it has secure office and video conferencing facilities which allow him to work from home,” said the spokesperson.

“Just like previous Taoisigh, he pays a nightly fee to use it.”

While the lodge is not an official Taoiseach’s residence, it was sometimes used for that purpose by both Brian Cowen and Enda Kenny.

Under Phase One of reopening, people are permitted to meet friends within 5km of their home provided they follow social distancing guidelines.