25/06/2012
Sinn Fein Finance Minister Wants To Pay For Car With Unused Expenses
It has been revealed that Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty wants to put a surplus in travel expenses claim, €8,000, towards the cost of a recent car purchase.
It is the first time that a TD has made such a claim.
Last night, the Oireachtas Commission was unable to say if he can actually use the surplus travel expenses money towards his car.
The idea is that Mr Doherty would supply the invoice for the €15,000 car to retrospectively justify the surplus travel expenses claim.
TDs have to sign certificates declaring that they only use the expenses to pay for travel and accommodation – and they have to return any unspent money.
Last year, the Irish Independent reported that the Donegal South West TD broke Dail rules by using part of his travel and accommodation expenses to hire party workers.
Sinn Fein's foreign affairs spokesman Padraig MacLochlainn has also admitted using the "balance" of his travel expenses to pay for an extra constituency secretary.
Mr Doherty has raised questions about whether a car can be classified as a travel and accommodation expense.
In the wake of the controversy, all TDs have been reminded by Leinster House authorities to use travel and accommodation expenses for no other purpose.
(H)
It is the first time that a TD has made such a claim.
Last night, the Oireachtas Commission was unable to say if he can actually use the surplus travel expenses money towards his car.
The idea is that Mr Doherty would supply the invoice for the €15,000 car to retrospectively justify the surplus travel expenses claim.
TDs have to sign certificates declaring that they only use the expenses to pay for travel and accommodation – and they have to return any unspent money.
Last year, the Irish Independent reported that the Donegal South West TD broke Dail rules by using part of his travel and accommodation expenses to hire party workers.
Sinn Fein's foreign affairs spokesman Padraig MacLochlainn has also admitted using the "balance" of his travel expenses to pay for an extra constituency secretary.
Mr Doherty has raised questions about whether a car can be classified as a travel and accommodation expense.
In the wake of the controversy, all TDs have been reminded by Leinster House authorities to use travel and accommodation expenses for no other purpose.
(H)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 January 2020
Appeal For Information After Garda Officer Dragged By Runaway Car
Gardaí have issued an appeal for information after an officer was injured when he was struck by a car and dragged in an incident in Dundrum town centre. At approximately 6.
Appeal For Information After Garda Officer Dragged By Runaway Car
Gardaí have issued an appeal for information after an officer was injured when he was struck by a car and dragged in an incident in Dundrum town centre. At approximately 6.
04 July 2012
Leinster House Confirms Travels Expenses Were Misused
It has been confirmed that three left-wing TDs should not have used their taxpayer-funded travel expenses to go around the country canvassing against the €100 household charge. The Leinster House authorities said they had never intended TDs to claim travel expenses for attending events outside their constituencies.
Leinster House Confirms Travels Expenses Were Misused
It has been confirmed that three left-wing TDs should not have used their taxpayer-funded travel expenses to go around the country canvassing against the €100 household charge. The Leinster House authorities said they had never intended TDs to claim travel expenses for attending events outside their constituencies.
25 June 2010
Senator To Face Expenses Hearing
A Fianna Fáil Senator is preparing to face a Seanad committee this morning as they investigate his suspicious expenses claims.
Senator To Face Expenses Hearing
A Fianna Fáil Senator is preparing to face a Seanad committee this morning as they investigate his suspicious expenses claims.
03 June 2010
Callely Case Considered By Expenses Committee
The issue of Fianna Fáil Senator Ivor Callely's expenses is to face close scrutiny at the Seanad Committee on Members' Interests today. Senator Calley's controversial travel expenses claims came to light this week after they were published amongst those of the rest of Ireland's politicians on the Oireachtas website.
Callely Case Considered By Expenses Committee
The issue of Fianna Fáil Senator Ivor Callely's expenses is to face close scrutiny at the Seanad Committee on Members' Interests today. Senator Calley's controversial travel expenses claims came to light this week after they were published amongst those of the rest of Ireland's politicians on the Oireachtas website.
19 November 2008
TD Wages To Cost Taxpayer €46M This Year
With two pay rises and a tax free expense account worth just under half their basic salary, TDs are to cost taxpayers almost €46 million this year for running, amongst other things, Ireland's economy.
TD Wages To Cost Taxpayer €46M This Year
With two pay rises and a tax free expense account worth just under half their basic salary, TDs are to cost taxpayers almost €46 million this year for running, amongst other things, Ireland's economy.