Menu
29/06/2011
Telephone Usage In Reality Show Win Criticised
Following the report linking Independent TD Michael Healy Rae to a reality TV show win four years ago, Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has criticised the use of telephone facilities in Leinster House to make calls to a commercial voting line.
In 2007 the Kerry deputy, and son of retired TD Jackie Healy Rae, won the 'Celebrities Go Wild' programme on RTE after over 3,600 votes were cast from a single phone in the Dáil.
The calls cost around €2,500.
The Oireachtas were notified of calls to a '1513' number and later blocked calls to the number.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett said: “I condemn the use of a telephone in Leinster House for such purposes. The misuse of the resources provided to members for their public duties for the aim of voting in a television competition is an outrageous abuse of facilities. I am calling for the money to be repaid in full immediately. I also will ensure that the details of this matter are addressed in full at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedures and Privileges.”
Deputy Healy-Rae this morning denied any knowledge of who was behind the calls.
(BMcN/KMcA)
In 2007 the Kerry deputy, and son of retired TD Jackie Healy Rae, won the 'Celebrities Go Wild' programme on RTE after over 3,600 votes were cast from a single phone in the Dáil.
The calls cost around €2,500.
The Oireachtas were notified of calls to a '1513' number and later blocked calls to the number.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett said: “I condemn the use of a telephone in Leinster House for such purposes. The misuse of the resources provided to members for their public duties for the aim of voting in a television competition is an outrageous abuse of facilities. I am calling for the money to be repaid in full immediately. I also will ensure that the details of this matter are addressed in full at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedures and Privileges.”
Deputy Healy-Rae this morning denied any knowledge of who was behind the calls.
(BMcN/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
03 July 2012
Controversy Increases Over TD Expenses
The system of expenses for TDs is facing fresh scrutiny after a series of revelations that taxpayers' money was used to fund the campaign against the household charge. Three left-wing TDs yesterday admitted claiming mileage for travelling outside of their constituencies to campaign against the €100 charge.
Controversy Increases Over TD Expenses
The system of expenses for TDs is facing fresh scrutiny after a series of revelations that taxpayers' money was used to fund the campaign against the household charge. Three left-wing TDs yesterday admitted claiming mileage for travelling outside of their constituencies to campaign against the €100 charge.
08 June 2011
Ceann Comhairle To Host Bilateral Visit From Chinese Delegation
Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett, will host a bilateral visit from a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 June.
Ceann Comhairle To Host Bilateral Visit From Chinese Delegation
Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett, will host a bilateral visit from a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 June.
14 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
