Coveney's relationship with former deputy chair of An Bord Pleanála a 'private matter' 

Paul Hyde last month received two jail sentences of two months each for breaches of planning laws

Simon Coveney said that he had "no regrets" about appointing Paul Hyde to the Marine Institute board. Picture: Maxwells

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney says that his relationship with former deputy chair of An Bord Pleanála Paul Hyde is a "private matter".

Mr Hyde last month received two jail sentences of two months each for breaches of planning laws, with the sentencing judge stating that "ethical standards in public life matter".