merrion street

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister Ryan acknowledge Commissioner Phil Hogan’s recent written and public account of his movements when he travelled to Ireland. They also welcome his apology.

However, concerns remain.

It is clear that breaches of public health guidelines were made by Commissioner Phil Hogan since he travelled to Ireland.

The government guidelines clearly required him to restrict his movements for 14 days. He should also have limited his movements to and from Kildare for essential travel only, and he should not have attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner.

People are correctly angered by these actions given the sacrifices so many have made to adhere to public health guidance.

In addition, his delayed and hesitant release of information has undermined public confidence.
Commissioner Hogan is accountable to the President of the Commission Ms Ursula von der Leyen, under the legal framework outlined in the Treaties.

The government now awaits the outcome of the review being undertaken by the President.
Ultimately the Commissioner is accountable to the EU Commission, not to the Irish government or to the Oireachtas.