"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament.

"David was an accomplished journalist who covered major events both in his native Italy and internationally. He was also an outstanding representative and a committed European, who contributed greatly as Vice-President, and subsequently as President, to the development of the European Parliament. He will be remembered for his warmth and humanity, traits which served him well especially over the last two years as he effectively oversaw significant changes necessitated to the Parliament’s operations as a result of the pandemic.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."