An "away day" event conducted by the Pensions Board in a Co Wicklow hotel and which cost €19,000 was not funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The Minister, Ms Coughlan, rejected criticism by Fine Gael's spokesman, Mr Michael Ring, who said the review of policy by the board could have been conducted at Government Buildings - a very "lavish venue".
The Minister had overall responsibility for the board and why "did it have to go to Tinakilly House at a cost of €19,000, at a time when people are finding it difficult to live on their social welfare payments"?
Ms Coughlan, who paid tribute to the board, said it was funded by fees payable by occupational schemes and PRSA providers and not the Department.
She did not interfere in the work of the board on a day-to-day basis, and had no intention of doing so.