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Seamus Woulfe apologises over golf dinner

Supreme Court judge and former Attorney General Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe has apologised for attending a controversial dinner at a Galway hotel.

Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary and Seanad Leas-Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer both resigned after their attendance at the event.

In a statement, Mr Justice Woulfe confirmed that he attended one day of the Oireachtas Golf Society’s outing on Wednesday as an invited guest.

He said he was not aware in advance that there would be an organised dinner as part of the event.

'Unintentional breach'

“On learning of the proposed dinner during the course of that day, my understanding was that the organisers and the hotel had satisfied themselves that they would be operating within Government public health guidelines.” the judge said.

“I attended based on that understanding, that it would be within the guidelines, but do apologise for any unintentional breach of any of the new guidelines on my part,” he said, adding that he would never disregard public health advice from the Government or health authorities.

“That I ended up in a situation where breaches may have occurred, is of great regret to me, and for which I am sorry. I unreservedly apologise," the judge concluded.