Dara Calleary’s resignation as Minister for Agriculture is the “right decision for the country”, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

On Friday morning, Minister Calleary tendered his resignation as Minister for Agriculture, after it emerged he attended an event in Galway on Wednesday night where over 80 people were present.

“This morning, Deputy Dara Calleary tendered his resignation as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, following his attendance at the Oireachtas golf dinner on Wednesday evening.

“His attendance at this event was wrong and an error of judgement on his part. I have accepted his resignation,” An Taoiseach said.

Sacrifices

He said people all over the country have made very difficult, personal 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 Éireann, 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,” he said.

Micheál Martin will assume the role of Minister for Agriculture until a new minister is appointed.

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