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File image of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Micheál Martin removes party whip from three Fianna Fáil senators who attended golf event

The party whip has been removed from senators Paul Daly, Aidan Davitt and Niall Blaney.

THE TAOISEACH HAS removed the Fianna Fáil party whip from three senators after they attended a controversial Oireachtas Golf Society event earlier this week. 

A Fianna Fáil spokesperson confirmed Micheál Martin has removed the party whip from Senators Paul Daly, Aidan Davitt and Niall Blaney.

81 people are said to have attended the event in Galway on Wednesday, with the room divided into two. The Irish Examiner, which first reported the story, alleged that up to 10 people were seated at tables. 

The event appears to have breached public health guidelines, which state that no events, parties or gatherings involving more than six people should be held indoors.

An Garda Síochána today launched an investigation into the event. The three Fianna Fáil senators apologised for their attendance earlier today. 

The Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar removed the party whip from three Fine Gael senators who were also in attendance on Wednesday.

Senators Jerry Buttimer, Paddy Burke and John Cummins were among a number of politicians at the event.

Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary resigned from his position as Minister for Agriculture earlier today following his attendance. 

Speaking to Midwest Radio, Calleary said he “made a big mistake” and decided to resign after issuing his initial apology last night. 

“I made a big mistake. I shouldn’t have gone to the function. I didn’t want to let people down and I take responsibility for that mistake,” the TD said.  

“I’ve let people down, I’ve angered a lot of people, I’ve stressed a lot of people that had to make very difficult calls in the last six months about family funerals etc.” 

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    Mute Sandra Turner
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    Jun 4th 2017, 7:49 PM

    We both work so qualify for nothing. If one of us didn’t work we would qualify but we wouldn’t need childcare as one of us would be at home with the kids.

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 4th 2017, 8:25 PM

    @Sandra Turner: the system is all twisted .. no help out there for those couples who are working and trying to keep afloat. . The cost for child care is crazy and is taking a big chunk out of peoples income and yet those on social can ..

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    Mute Eyepopper
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    Jun 4th 2017, 10:53 PM

    If you dont have a job why the hell cant you look after your kids during the day? Again another ar5e about face policy. Working people, struggling to pay for childcare, see their taxes go to pay for childcare for people who dont work.

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 4th 2017, 8:02 PM

    So if you’re on the social , you can avail of the €145 to put your kids into a creche after school and have the day to yourself .. .. makes sense ..

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    Mute ⚡ Seánie ⚡
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    Jun 4th 2017, 7:25 PM

    €80 a month… that should cover a weeks worth of lunches anyway.

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    Mute pat seery
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    Jun 4th 2017, 7:27 PM

    Tulsa are unable to look after Children at present and the Minister is giving them more children Minister are you giving Tulsa more staff if not this is a joke

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