The Environment Minister Alan Kelly has lashed out at what he called "anonymous cowards" in Fine Gael who have criticised his efforts to introduce rent certainty.

According to reports in recent days, Fine Gael members have accused Alan Kelly of creating uncertainty and of allowing landlords to take advantage and increase prices for their tenants.

He has denied rejecting a package of measures to help low-income families with rents and said discussions on the issue would resume tomorrow.

Minister Kelly (pictured) said: "If people are cowardly and don't want to put their names to things that's their own business. I don’t get worried about anonymous press officer briefings basically taking me on, or making comments about me.

"I've come through an awful lot, including many death threats, so these things really don’t bother me.

"Let me repeat, there was no package on the table. If there was, I'd say it out straight."