A bench warrant has been issued for the Fine Gael MEP Ms Avril Doyle after she failed to show up at Dublin District Court to face three driving charges.
The Leinster MEP from Kitestown, Co Wexford, faces charges of careless driving, driving without reasonable consideration and dangerous driving.
The offences allegedly occurred in March 2002 on the M50 motorway at Santry in north Dublin.
Ms Doyle is understood to be contesting the charges.
Judge John Coughlan issued a bench warrant for the arrest when there was no appearance for or on behalf of Ms Doyle.
In a statement tonight, Ms Doyle blamed her non-appearance on her solicitors.
"The reason I wasn't represented in Court 53, Richmond Hospital, North Brunswick Street, Dublin was because I was to be represented by my solicitor Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors. Unfortunately due to a diary error he missed the case.
"Mr Andrew Coonan takes full responsibility for the error. I will comply with all my legal obligations and I mean no disrespect to the judiciary or the court".
The solicitors firm accepted full responsibility. "No fault attaches to our client, whatsoever, in this regard and this is a matter for which we take full responsibility," it said.