The mayor and the Fine Gael leader are expected to meet later today to discuss his controversial comments calling for the deportation of EU nationals who have failed to secure work in this country within three months of becoming unemployed.

The mayor has since withdrawn the comments, which were first reported in the Limerick Leader, and he has clarified that he was only referring to those who "travel to Ireland with the one aim of taking advantage of our social welfare system."

In a statement released last Thursday, the Mayor also apologised for any offence he had caused.

"It was not my intention to cause any offence to EU nationals who are legally entitled to live in Ireland and who have contributed much to this country. I apologise if I have done so, and I unreservedly withdraw my initial remarks."

Speaking ahead of his visit to Limerick today Enda Kenny said: "The mayor has been clear enough and big enough to withdraw the unfortunate statement and I respect him for that. This is a statement that should not have been made. I will of course meet with the mayor on Monday and we will refer to this."

Speaking on Live 95FM this morning Deputy Kenny refused to say if Mayor Kiely would be the subject of disciplinary sanctions.

The Fine Gael leader was in Limerick this Monday to attend the latest in a series of meetings with business leaders to outline the party's policy approach to the current economic crisis.