John Halligan to pay €7.5k for gaffe

Independent Alliance TD and junior minister for training and skills John Halligan has said he will cover the cost of the €7,500 fine and associated legal bill over his “are you married?” interview gaffe.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner from Thailand, Mr Halligan insisted he would “not be found wanting” when it comes to the money and he restated his apology to the female official, who it was found he had discriminated against.

Mr Halligan said it was purely his intention to relax the interviewee and put her at ease, but he accepted his error and said he was hurt by the fallout.