Apology Call Over TD's Expenses

The leader of opposition party Fine Gael has called for a full apology from Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue over his official expenses.

Speaking today, Enda Kenny asked for an apology from the Daíl chairman after Mr O'Donoghue published a letter he had sent to all Daíl TDs this morning defending his claims.

Mr O'Donoghue had earlier refused to comment on his expenses claims, which he had made during his work as Minister for Sport and Tourism.

He said he had stayed silent on the subject to protect the impartiality of the position of Ceann Comhairle.

The claims included details of €900-a-night hotels, a €1,400-a-day chauffeurs during a five-day trip to Cheltenham, and a claim for €250 for a water taxi in Venice.

Mr O'Donoghue insisted all the expenses were legitimate and were claimed in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines, even though he admitted some of the "costs incurred appear high".

He also reminded his colleagues in the letter that he had taken a voluntary 10% pay cut.

In his letter to TDs, Mr O'Donoghue said: "The importance of having an impartial Chairman of Dáil Éireann who stands back from matters of public and party controversy is reflected in the Constitution itself.

"I want to reassure you that I have at all times acted in good faith and with probity. As Members who have been office holders will be aware the incurring of costs by Ministers and office holders is a

standard and common feature of holding such offices."

Mr Kenny, however, said the reasons given were not good enough and Mr O'Donoghue should apologise to the Irish people.

(DW/BMcC)