Tanaiste ‘accepts explanation’ as ex-tourism board member reinstated to other public job

The Tanaiste ‘accepted the explanation’ of ex-Failte Ireland board member Breege O’Donoghue with regard to her travel abroad as she was reinstated to a public job she previously held.

Ms O’Donoghue resigned from her post at the tourism authority after it emerged that she had travelled to Spain over the summer.

Her trip came at a time when Government was advising against non-essential travel abroad, while Spain was also not on Ireland’s green list.

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The Tanaiste ‘accepted the explanation’ of ex-Failte Ireland board member Breege O’Donoghue with regard to her travel abroad as she was reinstated to a public job she previously held. Pic: Ray Tang/REX/Shutterstock

Ms O’Donoghue also held a post as chair of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, which is overseen by the Department of Business and Enterprise.

It is understood that she also stepped down from her role there after her international movements were thrust into the public eye.

Despite that, the Department of Business has now confirmed that she will return to the Crafts Council to continue her work, following reports this morning.

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Ms O’Donoghue resigned from her post at the tourism authority after it emerged that she had travelled to Spain over the summer. Pic: Rex

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department said that Tanaiste Leo Varadkar was happy that a trip, which appeared to have made her position on the Council untenable, was, in fact, for medical reasons.

The spokesperson said this morning: ‘Ms O’Donoghue has clarified in writing that her trip abroad was for medical reasons and that she restricted her movements upon her return to Ireland. The Tánaiste has accepted her explanation.’

Ms O’Donoghue remains listed on the Council’s website as chair of the organisation.