Former Fianna Fáil Cabinet minister Dr Jim McDaid has made a public apology after his arrest for drink-driving last night.
Dr McDaid was stopped in his car at Newhall off the Naas Road at around 10.15 p.m.
It is believed he was returning from the Punchestown Festival.
A Garda spokeswoman would only confirm that a man was arrested under Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act for driving under the influence of alcohol and later released.
In a statement today, the Donegal North-East TD said: "I wish to unreservedly apologise for my serious lapse in behaviour last night."
"It was completely wrong of me to drive a car while under the influence of drink.
"This will now be a matter for the Gardaí to deal with.
Dr McDaid, who lost his ministerial office in the Government reshuffle last September, said: "I know that as a public representative I have a particular obligation to uphold the law."
"I wish to apologise to my family, my constituents and to the Gardaí," he added.
Dr McDaid was dropped from the Cabinet in 2002 following five years as minister for sports and tourism, but retained ministerial office as minister of state for transport until last September.