Reading the apology on behalf of Mr Ross and Atlantic Books, Paul O’Higgins SC said Mr Lanigan had complained that the biography implied he was a member of the IRA, and had somehow been in receipt of illicit funds.

The renewed focus on addressing road deaths comes amid criticism of the Government from former Minister for Transport Shane Ross, writing in the Sunday Independent last week.

Minister of State attending Cabinet, or super-junior ministers, are appointed by the government on the nomination of the Taoiseach.