Minister Pat Breen Breaks Silence In Wake Of Broadband Plan Controversy

Clare’s Junior Minister has defended himself in the wake of his involvement in the controversy that led to the resignation of the former Communications Minister.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the dramatic resignation of Denis Naughton, Pat Breen says he hasn’t considered resigning from his position, as he has done nothing wrong.

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Following the dramatic resignation last week of the then Communications Minister, Denis Naughton, the Taoiseach has come out in support of Clare’s Junior Minister, saying he shouldn’t resign.

It’s after it emerged that Pat Breen passed on an invitation to Denis Naughton to attend an informal dinner with David McCourt and his wife at their house in Newmarket on Fergus, which Minister Breen also attended.

Speaking for the first time in the wake of the row, Minister of State Pat Breen said resignation has never entered his mind.

He’s told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that he’s done nothing wrong.

At the time of the dinner, which was in September of last year, David McCourt was one of a number of bidders for the National Broadband contact, but has since become the sole bidder, after a number of companies withdrew from the process.

Minister of State Pat Breen insists that despite this, the matter was not discussed on the night.

The controversy led to opposition parties piling pressure on Pat Breen, including one of his Clare colleagues.

Independent TD Michael Harty says he now believes that the Minister has an obligation to make a statement on the floor of the Dáil, as his comments today don’t go far enough.

Listen back to the interview with Clare’s Junior Minister Pat Breen on Morning Focus: