Minister for Health James Reilly has challenged Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald to repeat allegations of corruption against him outside the House.

Ms McDonald claimed in the Dáil today that Dr Reilly had engaged in "sharp, corrupt practices" in the inclusion of a site in Balbriggan, in his Dublin North constituency, on the list of proposed primary healthcare centres.

She claimed that information supplied, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, showed that "considerable financial advantage" had been conferred on the owner and the developer involved.

Dr Reilly intervened from the Government benches to challenge Ms McDonald to make the allegations outside the House without the protection of Dáil privilege.

Amid heated exchanges, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said Ms McDonald was trawling over material previously discussed.

"You have a neck," said Mr Gilmore. "Sinn Féin...you know, so much illegal activity. How many bodies are buried on this island because of Sinn Féin?"