Fáilte Ireland was told outdoor hotel events were not allowed

New FoI documents suggest ‘Merriongate’ party contravened public health regulations, but requests for clarity were not answered

Katherine Zappone: controversy over ‘Merriongate’ party. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Government officials told a state body that hotels could not hold outdoor events ahead of Katherine Zappone’s Merrion Hotel party, newly released freedom of information documents show.

They also failed to answer additional requests for clarity on the same issue over a period of two months.

It comes as new evidence has emerged that the Taoiseach’s office was also told by state officials that Katherine Zappone’s party had not taken place within Fáilte Ireland guidelines.