Golfgate: Phil Hogan submits full report on golf event to European Commission
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen requested the report this morning. Picture: Francois Walschaerts, Pool Photo via AP
Under-pressure EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan has submitted a more detailed report of his movements in Ireland surrounding his controversial attendance at the Oireachtas Golf society dinner to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
The head of the European Commission requested a "detailed report" from Phil Hogan today according to a spokeswoman.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also wanted the EU Trade Commissioner to publish the timeline of his movements in Ireland over recent weeks.
Pressure has been building on Mr Hogan to step down from his EU role after he attended last week’s function with more than 80 people present.
Large indoor social gatherings are discouraged to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and are limited to 15 people according to the latest official guidelines.
Mr Hogan due to his commission position has significant standing in Brussels and would be deeply involved in any deal with Britain after Brexit.
What is important for the president is that the matter is clarified in the public domain with the right level of details, and that transparency is ensured about this matter
Dana Spinant, European Commission
European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant said earlier that it is “premature to discuss” any sanctions Mr Hogan might face.
She said she is “confident” that he will “make himself available” to discuss his actions.
She also said that Ms von der Leyen “wishes to understand not just the moves, but the circumstances in which those took place” because it is difficult for Brussels to know the rules in each county of Ireland.
“What is important for the president is that the matter is clarified in the public domain with the right level of details, and that transparency is ensured about this matter,” Ms Spinant said.
Mr Hogan has already provided an initial report of his actions but has been asked to give further details about his movements.
He has been told to produce a report and timeline of his movements within hours as he battles to save his job.
Mr Spinant told reporters that Ms von der Leyen expects a “detailed report” from Mr Hogan by 2pm Brussels time (1pm Irish time) on Tuesday.
“The president also encourages Commissioner Hogan to publish the timeline of his moves in Ireland during the period that he stayed there to ensure full transparency,” she said.
Gardaí are investigating whether coronavirus regulations were broken in holding the Oireachtas golf society event two days after the Government announced it intended to curb the numbers permitted to gather together.
The trade and former agriculture commissioner has also been urged to consider his position by Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar, after attending the dinner at a hotel in Galway.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Mr Hogan should make a comprehensive statement to the public.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
