Barry Cowen has apologised over a drink-driving ban he received four years ago.
The Fianna Fail TD, who is the new Agriculture Minister and brother of former taoiseach Brian Cowen, was banned from the roads after being caught over the limit in 2016.
The politician was stopped at a checkpoint between Dublin and his home in Co Offaly on the way back from the All-Ireland football final between Dublin and Mayo on September 18, the Irish Independent reports.
He was breathalysed and alcohol was found to be present, before he was taken to a Garda station and the breath test was repeated. Mr Cowen was again found to be over the limit.
He received a €200 fine and was disqualified from driving for three months. The case did not go to court as the alcohol level found was below the amount required for a prosecution.
Mr Cowen tonight provided Independent.ie with a statement, telling of his "shame".
He added: "I am profoundly sorry for having made that mistake.
"I am deeply apologetic to all those close to me and to my colleagues, for this appalling lapse of judgement."
