Enda Kenny has denied that he surrounds himself with "yes men".
The Fine Gael leader said he was fully aware of some of the criticism he faces as party leader and Taoiseach.
He shrugged off complaints from backbencher John Deasy, who said the party was unable to deal with criticism.
The Taoiseach said he did his best to expose himself to critics.
"I attend all of the Parliamentary party meetings that I can , but more importantly for the people outside I engage directly with them," he said.