A Fianna Fáil TD has apologised for any offence caused by a parliamentary question asking how many Muslims have applied for citizenship.

Sligo Leitrim deputy Eamon Scanlon is rejecting accusations that his question (which you can read here) was in any way racially motivated.

Mr Scanlon has been accused of racism on social media, and denied any such implication.

Speaking to Shannonside FM news he outlined why he put the question forward, saying: “It was a query from a constituent. He asked me did I know the information and I said I didn’t. He asked me could I get the information and I said I would try to get it.

“The parliamentary question has been misinterpreted and I wish to apologise for any offence caused.

“I’m sorry it’s been misrepresented and I can genuinely assure everybody that was completely and utterly unintended.”

Why *on earth* would @fiannafailparty TD Eamon Scanlon need to know about a persons religious beliefs?? pic.twitter.com/q1YqN2r4xx

— Cllr Sarah Holland (@VoteHollandSF) June 26, 2016