EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan has apologised for attending a hotel event that breached coronavirus guidelines.
Pressure had been mounting on the former Fine Gael Environment Minister to "consider his position", as asked by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, following his attendance of the Oireachtas Golf Society event at Station House Hotel in Clifden, Co Galway during the week.
Over 80 people attended the do, which has already seen former Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary resign amid the fallout.
But Mr Hogan said in a statement today: "I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending the Oireachtas golf society dinner on Wednesday night last.
"I want, in particular, to apologise to the wonderful healthcare workers, who continue to put their lives on the line to combat Covid-19 and all people who have lost loved ones during this pandemic.
"I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry.
"I realise fully the unnecessary stress, risk and offense caused to the people of Ireland by my attendance at such an event, at such a difficult time for all, and I am extremely sorry for this.
"I acknowledge that the issue is far bigger than compliance with rules and regulations and adherence to legalities and procedures.
"All of us must display solidarity as we try to stamp out this common plague.
"I thus offer this fulsome and profound apology, at this difficult time for all people, as the world as a whole combats Covid-19.
"I spoke to both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste yesterday and I have listened carefully to their views, which I respect.
"I have been reporting to the President of the European Commission on all these matters in recent days."
