The Minister for Agriculture is resigning from his role it has been confirmed.
Dara Calleary, who assumed the role in July after Barry Cowan’s resignation, last night “apologised unreservedly” for attending a golf event with over 80 other people on Wednesday night.
He confirmed his intention to resign from the cabinet this morning to RTÉ News.
The former minister was one of the guests at an Oireachtas Golf Society event which was held in a hotel in Connemara on Wednesday night.
The event was held 24 hours after the government had announced a tightening of restrictions around the country with advice to limit gatherings to just six at home, 15 outdoors, and a max of 50 at events organised in a socially-distanced way.
A report in the Irish Examiner stated that 82 people were in attendance at the event with up to ten people at some tables.
“Last night I attended a function I committed to a number of weeks ago, having been asked to pay tribute to a person I respected and admired greatly,” Calleary said in a statement on Thursday evening.
“In light of the updated public health guidance this week I should not have attended the event.
“I wish to apologise unreservedly to the public, from whom we are asking quite a lot at this difficult time. I also offer this apology and my sincere regret to my government colleagues.”
Guests also attending the event included EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan and former RTÉ broadcaster, Sean O’Rourke.
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