In a statement to the TG4 television station on Tuesday morning, the Russian embassy said the media speculation around the incident was “rumours and innuendo”.

It went on: “We categorically reject any attempt to portray this incident in the terms of a so-called possible Russian involvement – there is absolutely no basis to that.”

Speaking during a press conference with President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Martin said: “It is a matter for the Russian ambassador to express views and behalf of his own government.

“I simply don’t share his views.

“This is the same ambassador who assured us in 2022 that Russia had no plans to invade Ukraine and we saw how that worked out.”

He described the incident as part of an “established pattern” of similar events.

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