The Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary has resigned.
He apologised last night for going to a golf event attended by 80 people that broke Covid 19 guidelines.
The minister admitted he shouldn't have gone to the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner at a hotel in Clifden, Co. Galway on Wednesday.
Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer has also apologised for attending, while its reported EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan was also there.
The government's guidelines state that only six people can attend indoor gatherings - with some exceptions for up to 50 people.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has accepted Minister Calleary's resignation.
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
Senator Jerry Buttimer has also resigned as Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, for attending the golf dinner.
While Noel Grealish has apologised for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner.
The Galway West TD insists he exercised social distancing throughout, and was assured the event met public health guidelines.
He says it was an error of judgement.
