READ MORE- Government may collapse over Sean FitzPatrick meeting - SEE POLL

When Sinn Fein’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin demanded to know why Brian Cowen has concealed his golf and dinner date with Anglo Chief Sean FitzPatrick and other bank officials, it provoked an angry response from the Prime Minister.

The Fianna Fail leader said that if the deputy had allegations of wrong-doing, he should not “abuse” Dail privilege.

"Let him go outside and say it and I will see him in court," Mr Cowen said in an angry exchange.

Mr Ó Caoláin had questioned whether it was appropriate for Mr Cowen to dine with the former Anglo chief, two other senior Anglo figures and a Central Bank official in July 2008.

Brian Cowen maintains that the deteriorating situation at Anglo Irish was not discussed during the dinner although other economic matters were.

The current Prime Minister’s claims have been dismissed by the Opposition as "unbelievable".

Extracts of The Fitzpatrick Tapes, published in the Sunday Times, reveal that Sean Fitzpatrick played golf and dined with Cowen at Druids Glen in Co.Wicklow on July 28, 2008.

READ MORE- Government may collapse over Sean FitzPatrick meeting - SEE POLL