Simon Coveney has been slammed “as grossly out of touch” for attending a garden party in Iveagh House during lockdown.
TD Paul Murphy also said it displayed “crass insensitivity” on the minister’s behalf.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs was among a group of up to 80 departmental staff and guests that enjoyed wine and beers in his department’s garden on July 15, 2020.
The party was organised to celebrate Ireland’s victory in a campaign to win a seat on the UN Security Council.
Junior ministers in Foreign Affairs, Colm Brophy and Thomas Byrne, were also present.
It came less than a month after another impromptu gathering in the Department to celebrate the same victory.
Champagne glasses were raised and no social distancing was observed on that occasion.
The July bash was not against public health guidelines at the time, but it did take place at the same time as many restrictions were in place.
These included strict caps on the number of grieving friends and families that could attend funerals, a total ban on house parties and the shutters down on all so-called ‘wet pubs.’
Solidarity/People Before Profit TD, Mr Murphy, has been one of the most vocal politicians speaking out against the gatherings.
He told the Irish Mirror that Mr Coveney’s behaviour has shown “crass insensitivity.”
And in the Dáil on Wednesday he called on Mr Coveney to come before the Dáil to answer questions on the issue.
Mr Coveney will be invited to attend the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs committee and he has said that “of course” he will do so.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in the same debate that the Iveagh House Champagne party was “clearly in breach” of public health guidelines.
Mr Murphy said last night: "As well as the Champagne party, which was clearly in breach of the Covid guidelines, we now have a garden party at Iveagh House in July 2020.
“This was a time when people were restricted from attending funerals and people were being fined for organising house parties.
“At the very least, the garden party adds to a picture of a crass insensitivity and a Minister grossly out of touch."
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs gave this comment in relation to the garden party: “Following the easing of restrictions in late June 2020, an official event was held outdoors at the Department on 15 July 2020 to mark Ireland’s election to the UN Security Council.
“It was held in compliance with Covid-19 guidelines and control measures were in place.
“The event was attended by all three Ministers from the Department.
“Numbers in attendance were significantly below the maximum allowed for under the regulations at the time.
“Total costs for refreshments served at the event came in at €440.00.”
