Gardaí are investigating an incident in which an elderly woman was knocked off her bicycle by Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue when he opened the door of his ministerial car.
It happened on Kildare Street, Dublin, close to the Dáil at about lunchtime on Wednesday afternoon when the woman, who is in her 70s, was cycling towards St Stephen's Green.
She was knocked to the ground, her left leg was broken in a number of places and she has been on a trolley since in St James's Hospital.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, told The Irish Times yesterday that a garda who was on duty nearby took away her bicycle for forensic examination and promised to find out who had knocked her down.
It was only when Mr O'Donoghue appeared at her bedside yesterday morning with a get-well Mass card that she knew who was responsible.
She said she thought at first he was her doctor as she didn't know what the Minister looked like.
Mr O'Donoghue told her that he was very upset about what happened and he apologised, but he did not discuss how the incident occurred, she said.
A spokesman for Mr O'Donoghue confirmed last evening that an accident did occur. "A lady cyclist did come into contact with the State car. The Minister was in the car and at his request the emergency services were immediately called," the spokesman said.
It is understood that Mr O'Donoghue's car was stationary when he opened its passenger door, knocking the woman to the ground.
The injured woman said she required surgery on her leg but she could not have the operation until a bed was found for her.
She said the minister did not comment on her being on a trolley.
However, she was promised a bed last night and expects to have her operation today.
"My son thought the minister should pay for a bed for me in the Blackrock Clinic so I could have the operation straight away," she said.
It was important she had surgery quickly so the bones did not set the wrong way, she added.
A very active woman, who has been looking after her invalid husband, she is not looking forward to being laid up and unable to cycle or drive for about 10 weeks. She has also had to cancel a planned trip to England this weekend for a christening.
One of her main concerns yesterday however was having to eat sandwiches made from white loaf for breakfast, dinner and tea while in A&E.
She was told, she said, that hot meals could not be served in accident and emergency but she felt it would be much better if patients were offered something like fruit instead of bread all day.