His comments come as opposition parties have criticised Minister Barry Cowen over his 2016 drink driving ban
In his first session of Leaders' Questions Micheál Martin said he hasn't wasted an hour of work in the last week despite the political distractions in his party.
Minister Barry Cowen is due to make a statement to the Dáil later - though some opposition TDs are unhappy they won't be allowed to question him.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin rejected criticism that his party hasn't had its eyes on the real problems over the last week:
