The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has said the admission of drink driving by Fianna Fáil TD, Dr Jim McDaid, and his arrest, reflected badly on politics.
Mr McDowell said it was a matter of huge importance and the public must be given an example by those in politics.
He added, however, that it was not unprecedented, and that Dr McDaid was not the first politician to find himself in this situation.
Speaking today, Mr McDowell also announced that NIB had paid more than €5.8 milion to the Department of Justice to cover the costs of the inquiry by the inspectors appointed by the High Court in 1998.
The department had initially covered the cost of the inquiry, but the bank was ordered to pay the cost by Mr Justice Kelly last July. Mr McDowell said a cheque has recently been received from the bank to recoup the Exchequer's costs.
The minister has also warned criminal gangs that the CAB would vigorously pursue the proceeds of armed robberies and other crimes.
