DARA CALLEARY has resigned after he was found to have attended an indoor event which broke public health guidelines.
The former Minister for Agriculture attended the Oireachtas Golf Club event in Clifden, Connemara, with 81 other people including some senators and TDs.
EU Trade Commissioner, Fine Gael's Phil Hogan is also reported as having attended the event.
The event occurred the day after new restrictions were imposed on the public to slow the spread of the coronavirus following a Government meeting-- at which Mr Calleary was present-- with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Irish Examiner broke the story last night, and Fianna Fáil TD Minister Calleary later apologised "unreservedly" for attending the event.
Last night I attended a function I committed to a number of weeks ago, to pay tribute to a person I respected and admired greatly. In light of the updated public health guidance this week I should not have attended the event. I wish to apologise unreservedly to everyone 1/2
— Dara Calleary (@daracalleary) August 20, 2020
We are asking quite a lot from everyone at this difficult time. I also offer this apology and my sincere regret to my government colleagues 2/2
— Dara Calleary (@daracalleary) August 20, 2020
Minister Calleary was expected to make a round of breakfast interviews this morning to defend his position, however these interviews were cancelled with little notice, and it is now reported that Minister Calleary has resigned.
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has accepted his resignation, and released a statement saying Minister Calleary's attendance was "wrong and an error of judgement on his part".
"People all over the country have made very difficult, persoal sacrifices in their family lives and in their businesses to comply with Covid regulations.
"This event should not have gone ahead in the manner it did given the Government decision of last Tuesday.
"Dara Calleary, since he was first elected to Dail Eireann has been, and remains, a committed and dedicated public representative.
"This error of judgement was out of character. He has made the right decision for the country, particularly in the light of our continued efforts to supress Covid-19.
The hotel in question told The Irish Examiner they believed the event could go ahead as they had partitioned the room to allow for 45 people on one side and 36 on the other.
Dara Calleary has been in the position of Minister for Agriculture for just one month, after the previous minister, Barry Cowen, was sacked after 17 days when a drink-driving ban from 2016 came to light shortly after he accepted the role.
