It has been announced this morning (Friday, August 21) that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Dara Calleary has resigned from cabinet.
Last night, Calleary apologised for attending an event this week with more than 80 people, in breach of the latest public health guidelines.
The Irish Examiner reported last night (Thursday, August 20) that Minister Calleary attended an Oireachtas Golf Society event to celebrate its 50th anniversary, held at the Station House Hotel in Co. Galway on Wednesday night (August 19).
In a statement, Minister Calleary said: “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.
“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,” the statement concludes.
New Public Health Guidelines
Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (August 18), the government decided to implement a number of measures in an effort to curtail the spread of Covid-19.
“There will also be an enhanced level of enforcement to ensure that workplaces, venues and organisers of activities adhere to the guidelines.”
One of these restrictions is that “no formal or informal events or parties should be organised” in restaurants and cafes, including hotel restaurants and pubs that serve food.
