16/09/2009
O'Donoghue Breaks Silence Over Expenses
Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue chose yesterday's race meeting in Listowel to break his silence on the controversy surrounding his expenses claims.
Mr O'Donoghue expressed "regret" over the expenses he had claimed while Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism at the race meeting, but stopped short of an unqualified apology.
Speaking at today's race meeting in Listowel, Mr O'Donoghue reiterated his regret at the high level of expenses incurred by him.
He said: "I regret this, but I've also explained that these were costs paid to service providers on my behalf."
However, he added all the claims were independently audited, in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines and were legitimate.
He said the money was paid to service providers on his behalf and that he had not profited from it, adding that he had not gone into public life to make a profit.
"[I have] behaved in good faith and with probity throughout," he said.
Asked about whether he should make an apology, Mr O'Donoghue, the Daíl chairman, said "in so far as one regrets something, I think that is an apology".
Earlier this week, Mr O'Donoghue said he had stayed silent on the subject to protect the impartiality of his 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.
In a letter to TDs on Monday, explaining his claims, 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."
The leader of opposition party Fine Gael, Enda Kenny, called for a full apology from Ceann Comhairle over the matter.
(DW/GK)
Mr O'Donoghue expressed "regret" over the expenses he had claimed while Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism at the race meeting, but stopped short of an unqualified apology.
Speaking at today's race meeting in Listowel, Mr O'Donoghue reiterated his regret at the high level of expenses incurred by him.
He said: "I regret this, but I've also explained that these were costs paid to service providers on my behalf."
However, he added all the claims were independently audited, in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines and were legitimate.
He said the money was paid to service providers on his behalf and that he had not profited from it, adding that he had not gone into public life to make a profit.
"[I have] behaved in good faith and with probity throughout," he said.
Asked about whether he should make an apology, Mr O'Donoghue, the Daíl chairman, said "in so far as one regrets something, I think that is an apology".
Earlier this week, Mr O'Donoghue said he had stayed silent on the subject to protect the impartiality of his 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.
In a letter to TDs on Monday, explaining his claims, 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."
The leader of opposition party Fine Gael, Enda Kenny, called for a full apology from Ceann Comhairle over the matter.
(DW/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 September 2009
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.
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.
13 October 2009
O'Donoghue To Address Daíl Over Expenses
The Ceann Comhairle is to address the Daíl today after announcing last week he was to stand down over his expenses controversy. The House will then elect a new speaker, and speculation is following Seamus Kirk, chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.
O'Donoghue To Address Daíl Over Expenses
The Ceann Comhairle is to address the Daíl today after announcing last week he was to stand down over his expenses controversy. The House will then elect a new speaker, and speculation is following Seamus Kirk, chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.
04 December 2019
Miners Protest Postponed In Co Meath
Tara Mines workers in Co Meath have postponed a scheduled protest in Dublin following confirmation of a drastic reduction in their flat rate expenses. Workers at the zinc and lead mine were due to take action outside Leinster House in Dublin today, 04 December, over the expense implementation due in the New Year.
Miners Protest Postponed In Co Meath
Tara Mines workers in Co Meath have postponed a scheduled protest in Dublin following confirmation of a drastic reduction in their flat rate expenses. Workers at the zinc and lead mine were due to take action outside Leinster House in Dublin today, 04 December, over the expense implementation due in the New Year.
07 October 2009
Ceann Comhairle Holds Out For 'Handshake'
The Ceann Comhairle has finally succumbed to pressure over his expenses and resigned, but now faces new criticism over his timing of the move. John O'Donoghue, the Daíl Chariman, has faced a barrage of criticism and pressure in recent weeks over the expenses he claimed while the was Minister for Sport and Tourism with Fianna Fail.
Ceann Comhairle Holds Out For 'Handshake'
The Ceann Comhairle has finally succumbed to pressure over his expenses and resigned, but now faces new criticism over his timing of the move. John O'Donoghue, the Daíl Chariman, has faced a barrage of criticism and pressure in recent weeks over the expenses he claimed while the was Minister for Sport and Tourism with Fianna Fail.
10 January 2023
NI Secretary Urged To Call Public Inquiry Into Omagh Bombing
The SDLP has called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to call a public inquiry into the Omagh bombing. The party's West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan made the call after writing to outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin on behalf of the Omagh families to raise the issue.
NI Secretary Urged To Call Public Inquiry Into Omagh Bombing
The SDLP has called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to call a public inquiry into the Omagh bombing. The party's West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan made the call after writing to outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin on behalf of the Omagh families to raise the issue.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with rain at times, this persistent and occasionally heavy in the west. The east will see some drier weather. Becoming drier across the far west later. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:The east will remain cloudy, some rain this evening before turning drier in the early hours. Dry elsewhere with cloud breaking to allow some clear periods. Minimum temperature 4 °C.