Former minister for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes has insisted he was not told by the trustees who run Russborough House that they would have to sell some of the Beit collection paintings should Government support not be forthcoming.

Mr Hayes confirmed he met representatives of the Alfred Beit Foundation in 2013.

“It was a very informal, congenial meeting. We talked about how we could help them with their marketing,” he said.

“It was clear Russborough House was looking for financial support in terms of ongoing maintenance and conservation. However, we had no funds within the OPW for that at that time and made this very clear to the board.

“At no stage of the meeting was it suggested to us their finances were so difficult that they would have to sell a portion of the art collection.

“I’m flabbergasted at the suggestion it was put to us in 2013 in some way that they would have to sell part of the art collection to keep Russborough House open.”