Micheal Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan say Phil Hogan's resignation 'correct course of action'

Phil Hogan's resignation was the "correct course of action", the three Government leaders have said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Eamon Ryan issued a short statement following the EU Trade Commissioner's decision to step down.

It said: "The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister Ryan acknowledge the resignation of Mr Phil Hogan and while this must have been a difficult decision for him personally, 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. 

Minister for Enterprise Leo Varadkar Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister for Climate Action Communications Networks and Transport Eamon Ryan leaving the Cabinet Meeting in Dublin Castle this afternoon (Stephen Collins)

"We all must persevere in our efforts against Covid 19.

"Former Commissioner Hogan has served Europe and Ireland with distinction.

"The government will consider his replacement in due course."

The Fine Gael politician has faced intense scrutiny after he attended an Oireachtas golf society event in Galway last week.

Mr Hogan and 80 others breached newly introduced public health guidelines after attending an Oireachtas golf society event in Clifden, Co Galway last Wednesday.