The internal report into allegations suggesting the Minister for Transport, Mr Seamus Brennan had not paid for €5,000-worth of cigars and spirits obtained from Aer Rianta in the early 90s has exonerated the minister.
The claim was contained in a Sunday Independentlast weekend.
Earlier, Aer Rianta announced that it's own inquiry had found no evidence to back up the newspaper claim. While its report is not complete, company chairman Mr Noel Hanlon said he did not foresee the position changing.
Secretary General at the Department of Transport, Ms Julie O'Neill issued her findings this evening.
"Following extensive inquiries into Finance Division Staff, the Assistant Secretary responsible for corporate services and myself over the past five days, I have found no documentary or other evidence that might relate to an incident of the nature referred to in the Sunday Independentarticle," Ms O'Neill said.
Mr Brennan issued a short statement this evening welcoming the "clear and decisive results of the investigation".
Mr Brennan said: "Public life is difficult, whichever side you are on, and to have your integrity questioned is deeply upsetting and hurtful. I look forward to getting on with the policy work which is what politics is really about."
Ms O'Neill's inquiry involved an extensive trawl through departmental records and interviews with staff currently at the Department and former secretaries general.
The inquiry looked for evidence of delivery documents, invoices and correspondence between Aer Rianta and the Department in relation to spirits and cigars, covering a period form 1989 to 1992. Mr Brennan was Minister for Transport during the period investigated.
Outstanding invoices to the value of €4,000 - €5,500 were also searched for, as was payments to Aer Rianta of a similar value. Invoices relating to spirits and cigars bought from Aer Rianta were also checked. Purchases of up to €300 were discovered, "in respect of official entertainment". No other evidence was uncovered the report concludes.
Senior officials at the Department during the relevant period were interviewed, including former secretaries general. "None of the people interviews had any awareness or recollection of documents or incidents of the nature referred to in the Sunday Independentarticle," the report says.
Current staff were also asked to provide any relevant information but none was received.
Ms O'Neill's concludes by saying a request for information from Aer Rianta was responded to by company chief executive Mr John Burke today. It stated Aer Rianta's investigation had not found evidence or documentation supporting the allegations against Mr Brennan.