The president of the European Commission has said she respects the resignation of Phil Hogan, adding that she expects all commissioners to comply with health guidelines.
In a televised statement, Ursula von der Leyen said she is “very grateful” to Mr Hogan for his “tireless and successful work”.
Her comments came after the Irish Government said the former EU trade commissioner had made the correct decision in resigning over his attendance at a golf dinner during the coronavirus pandemic.
He had been expected to play a key role in negotiating the EU’s arrangements with Britain after Brexit.
Mr Hogan was among more than 80 people at the event in the west of Ireland last week, as the country tries to contain a new spike in Covid-19 cases and limit social gatherings.
Ms von der Leyen said on Thursday: “I thank him warmly for his valuable contribution to the work of the Commission, not only in this mandate but also in the previous mandate where he was the commissioner in charge of agriculture and rural development.
“Over the past days, I discussed with Phil Hogan about his movements in Ireland in light of information that emerged regarding respect of public health guidelines in Ireland.
“In the current circumstances, as Europe fights to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and Europeans make sacrifices and accept painful restrictions, I expect the members of the College (of Commissioners) to be particularly vigilant about compliance with applicable national or regional rules or recommendations.”
European Commission deputy chief spokesperson Dana Spinant said Ms von der Leyen was in touch with Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Thursday morning regarding the situation.
The spokesperson made it clear the EU was calling on Dublin to put forward a male and female candidate in the search for Mr Hogan’s replacement to the Commission.
The spokesperson said: “She (Ms von der Leyen) is in touch with the Irish Taoiseach to convey him the message that it is important to start the process.
“And to propose those names.
“In terms of timelines, the ball is now in the court of the Irish authorities.
“It is important for the president that she completes her team and that she has a strong Commission in place – ready for action rapidly.
“This is why it will be important that the Irish authorities come forward with the names as quickly as possible.”
Veteran politician Mr Hogan faced deep disquiet from the Irish Government and intense scrutiny of whether his extensive movements around the country broke coronavirus regulations.
A statement from Dublin said: “We believe that it is the correct course of action given the circumstances of the past week.
“We all have a responsibility to support and adhere to public health guidelines and regulations.”
Mr Hogan confirmed he had tendered his resignation as EU trade commissioner to Ms von der Leyen.
He said: “It was becoming increasingly clear that the controversy concerning my recent visit to Ireland was becoming a distraction from my work as an EU commissioner and would undermine my work in the key months ahead.”
He travelled around Ireland during his summer break from Brussels, despite official rules saying he should have self-isolated upon arrival for 14 days, because of the rate of infection abroad.
Ms von der Leyen had sought an explanation from her commissioner.
Mr Hogan said: “I deeply regret that my trip to Ireland, the country that I have been so proud to represent as a public servant for most of my adult life, caused such concern, unease and upset.
“I have always tried to comply with all relevant Covid-19 regulations in Ireland and had understood that I had met with all relevant public health guidelines, particularly following confirmation of a negative Covid-19 test.”
He took the test in Dublin and also visited his home in Co Kildare in the Irish midlands.
Kildare was subjected to extra-strict lockdown measures because of an outbreak of Covid-19 there linked to meat plants.
The commissioner said: “I reiterate my heartfelt apology to the Irish people for the mistakes I made during my visit.”
Ireland’s new coalition government has suffered a wobbly start with a series of resignations.
It lost its agriculture minister after Dara Calleary was among the guests at the Irish parliament’s golf society dinner last week in the coastal town of Clifden in Co Galway.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here