Wicklow TD Stands Down From AI Chair Amid Drink-driving Investigation

"I am stepping down totally without prejudice to the ongoing legal process arising from my arrest on suspicion of drink driving." Malcolm Byrne TD

Malcolm Byrne has stepped down Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence.

In a statement issued this evening the Wicklow-Wexford TD confirmed:

"I am stepping down totally without prejudice to the ongoing legal process arising from my arrest on suspicion of drink driving. There is no further movement on this issue.  This decision to step down is entirely my own."

The Fianna Fáil TD was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after he failed a breath test at a garda checkpoint in Dublin city centre last Thursday morning.

He later provided a urine sample at Pearse Street Garda Station, with the results still awaited.

Micheál Martin has previously taken a tough stance on drink-driving, including removing a cabinet minister who failed to inform him about a drink-driving ban.

Asked about the case today, Taoiseach Michael Martin says he will wait for the outcome of the investigation before taking any action.

Deputy Byrne outlines further:

"As the Garda investigation remains ongoing, and I am cooperating fully with that process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on that matter at this time."