The Taoiseach has described Barry Cowen's statement to the Dail for drink driving as a ' clear abject apology'.
A spokesperson for Micheál Martin says it's clear the Agriculture Minister deeply regrets what happened and his remorse is genuine.
It emerged last week that Barry Cowen was given a three month driving ban for drink driving while on a provisional licence in 2016. He was stopped on his way home to Offaly from an All Ireland Football Final in Dublin.
He apologised to the Dáil last night saying it was a "stupid, stupid mistake".
Many road safety advocates have called on the Minister to explain why was not fully-licenced at the time.
Mr Cowen told the Dáil that it was not uncommon at the time.
"There's been some speculation about how someone of my age could be driving on either a learner permit or provisional licence. The fact is that before the recent and proper reforms of the system it was not uncommon for people of all ages and level of experience to drive on either a provisional or learner permit. However, this was bad practice and I clearly should have regularised my practice and I clearly should regularised my position much sooner. "
Minister Cowen concluded by vowing to focus his full attention on his work as a TD and Minister.
