Leo Varadkar has said the infamous Department of Foreign Affairs Champagne party “should not have happened.”
The Tanaiste added that it “was not okay,” but distinguished it from the Boris Johnson parties at Downing Street in London because the Dublin bash was “impromptu”.
Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, has spoken out for the first time about his staff’s party and defended their actions.
He said he was not there himself, but confirmed he called in on the staff later in the night after the Champagne had been popped.
The selfie picture that sparked the controversy showed up to 20 senior department officials raising Champagne flutes, unmasked and with no social distancing celebrating Ireland’s election to the UN Security Council in June 2020.
Mr Varadkar was speaking to reporters in Kildare at an Aldi expansion announcement that will see another 600 jobs created at the supermarket chain.
He said: “You know, I think what happened in Iveagh House should not have happened at the time, social gatherings and more than six people indoors weren't allowed.
“So it's clear to me that what happened in iveagh House should not have happened on that night.
“And the Department of Foreign Affairs accepts that there has been an apology from those who are involved.
“And I understand they have issued new guidelines since then.
“This was almost two years ago.”
Mr Varadkar was asked what was the difference between the Iveagh House (Department of Foreign Affairs HQ) celebrations and Downing Street parties.
He replied: “To answer your question, what's the difference between this and events in Downing Street?
“Certainly Minister Coveney was not in any way involved in organising this. He didn't attend it.
“And it seems to have been an impromptu gathering rather than one that was organised.
“But that doesn't mean that it was okay.
“It still still shouldn't have occurred.
“But like I say, there has been an apology from those who are involved.
“I think it is important to emphasise that you know, Mr. Coveney was not involved in organising this event and was not present at it.
“He returned later in the evenings to speak to staff and thank them.”
Mr Coveney was on RTE’s News at One on Radio One where he said lessons had been learned.
He said: ““Well, because I think first the secretary general who was there, of course, needed to ensure that the department didn't allow a repeat of that dropping of the guard if you like, particularly at a time when, you know, the country was and continues to be rightly very sensitive.”
Mr Coveney has offered to appear before the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs committee for further questioning if asked.
