The Agriculture Minister is denying allegations he did a U-turn from a checkpoint in 2016.
The Government remains under pressure to clear up details on Barry Cowen's drink driving ban.
The Sunday Times reported over the weekend that Mr Cowen was pursued by gardai after doing a U turn as he approached a checkpoint in 2016.
Barry Cowan has denied this and the matter has now been referred to the garda watchdog, GSOC.
Political Editor with the Irish Examiner, Daniel McConnell, says the story isn't going away:
Statement from Barry Cowen:
“The Sunday Times has today published an article referring to an incorrect Garda record dealing with the incident which occurred on 18 September 2016 despite the fact that my solicitors wrote to the newspaper in advance of publication.
“I did not evade, or attempt to evade, a Garda. Such an act would constitute a serious criminal offence and I was not charged with such an offence. On being informed of its existence I sought a copy of this incorrect record and am taking steps under the Data Protection Act to have it corrected.
“This incorrect Garda record can only have come into the possession of the newspaper through a criminal act. It is a criminal offence for a member of An Garda Siochana to disclose any information obtained in the course of his or her duties. I am informed that An Garda Siochana has commenced a criminal investigation into the source of this leak.
“It is obvious that the disclosure of this information at this time in flagrant breach of the criminal law and my rights under data protection law is a disgraceful attempt to cause me the maximum personal and political harm.
“By publishing this story the Sunday Times has consciously participated in, and facilitated, this and I will be instructing my lawyers to take all necessary steps to vindicate my good name and data protection rights."
Westmeath Residential Re-Development Gets Green Light
Gardai Issue Fresh Appeal For Offaly Arson Attack
Westmeath County Council Toasts Road Safety Competition Winners
Midlands Animal Welfare Charities In Line For €175k
No White Christmas For The Midlands This Year
ESB Requires Massive Step Change To Meet Connection Obligations
Concerns Raised Over National Lottery’s Handling Of Gambling Risks
Over €73k Awarded To Midlands Schools For Sustainability Projects
Appeal Lodged Over Slieve Blooms Quarry Expansion
Westmeath Community Group Spreads Christmas Cheer To Families In Need
Offaly Bike Shop Owner Calls For Tougher Penalties For Phone Use While Driving
Department Of Education Faces Almost 2,000 Teacher Vacancies
Midlands MEP Slams EU Commission President Over Mercosur Trade Deal Push
Revenue Seize Over €455k In Contraband In The Midlands
Westmeath Global Tech Company Set To Move Next Year
Offaly TD Makes Call For Retail Crime Reporting Systems
Westmeath Private Medical Campus Credits Public Health Cases For Success
Over 300 Irish Soldiers Spending Christmas In Lebanon
Midlands Children’s Services Project Celebrates HSE Excellence Award Wins
Midlands Towns And Villages To Receive €2.4m In Regeneration Funding