Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has removed the party whip from Waterford senator John Cummins.
It comes after Senator Cummins had confirmed his attendance at a golfing event on Wednesday evening for more than 80 people, just 24 hours after new COVID-19 guidelines were issued.
The Irish Examiner reported last night that Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary, along with other TDs and Senators were among the guests at an Oireachtas Golf Society event in Cliffden, Co Galway. That's despite guidelines, which were imposed on Tuesday, saying no more than 50 can gather for a function and no more than 6 people can sit at a table,
In a statement Senator Cummins has apologised for his attendance at the event in light of the updated public health advise. He says he has been careful in adhering to public health advise and that this was a lapse in judgement for which he apologises unreservedly.
However the Tánaiste has tweeted that the whip will be removed from the senator, who is the party's housing spokesperson in the Seanad:
"The event organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society should not have happened. I understand how extremely difficult the restrictions have been for people and the enormous sacrifices we have all made. Funerals, christenings, weddings, family holidays and other really important family occasions have been foregone to protect each other and the most vulnerable. As representatives we should lead by example.
"In recognition of the seriousness of this matter, I have removed the party whip from Senators Jerry Buttimer, Paddy Burke and John Cummins. Senator Jerry Buttimer has also resigned his position as Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad."
The whip has also been removed from senators Jerry Buttimer and Paddy Burke. Mr Buttimer has also resigned as Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.
In recognition of the seriousness of this matter, I have removed the party whip from Senators Jerry Buttimer, Paddy Burke and John Cummins. Senator Jerry Buttimer has also resigned his position as Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 21, 2020
