A garda investigation is being carried out into the event that led to the resignation of Dara Calleary as Agriculture Minister while the hospitality sector is facing calls to explain how the event got the go ahead at the Station House Hotel in Clifden, Co. Galway.
EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan confirmed his attendance at the event but failed to apologise for breaking health guidelines despite calls for his resignation.
Commissioner Hogan has said the hotel in Clifden was assured by the Irish Hotels Federation that guidance was being followed – however he didn’t apologise for attending the event.
A former Attorney General who helped to write the original Covid-19 restrictions, and now-Supreme Court judge Seamus Wolfe has said he wasn’t aware he was attending a dinner and has said sorry for “ending up” in a situation where there were potential breaches.
An EU Commission spokesperson said Mr Hogan had acted in “good faith” when he attended the event and had received assurances that the event would be held in full compliance with the regulations introduced by the Irish Government.
“Of course with hindsight he regrets the fact that this seems not to be the case. And with hindsight he would not attend an event which is not in line with the obligations,” she said.
