‘I did not evade a garda’ - Minister Cowen

Minister for Agriculture Barry Cowen has dismissed a report in The Sunday Times that he attempted to evade a Garda checkpoint during the incident that lead to his drink-driving ban in 2016.

The paper alleges an official Garda record seen by The Sunday Times outlines that Cowen did a U-turn before a Garda checkpoint and was pursued by members of the force.

I did not evade, or attempt to evade, a garda.

Cowen has apologised for the offence, which occurred in September 2016 following the All-Ireland final between Mayo and Dublin. At the time he was fined €200 and was disqualified from driving for three months.

There has been intense media scrutiny of the incident following revelations that Cowen was driving on a learner permit and not a full licence.

Statement

In a statement, Minister Cowen said that the Garda record of the incident was “incorrect” and that his solicitors had written to the The Sunday Times in advance of the publication of the article.

“I did not evade, or attempt to evade, a Garda. Such an act would constitute a serious criminal offence and I was not charged with such an offence,” Minister Cowen stated.

“On being informed of its existence, I sought a copy of this incorrect record and am taking steps under the Data Protection Act to have it corrected.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána has commenced a criminal investigation into the source of this leak

“This incorrect Garda record can only have come into the possession of the newspaper through a criminal act. It is a criminal offence for a member of An Garda Síochána to disclose any information obtained in the course of his or her duties.

“I am informed that An Garda Síochána has commenced a criminal investigation into the source of this leak.”

He continued by stating that the information was a flagrant breach of criminal law and a “disgraceful attempt” to cause him personal and political harm.

Cowen said he would be instructing his solicitors to take all the necessary steps to vindicate his good name and data protection rights.

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