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.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen insisted Mr Callely provide a written report on the matter to the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Pat Moylan.

This morning however, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin said the answers given by Mr Callely were “not very clear”.

Speaking at a website in Dublin, Ms Hanafin said: “I think Senator Callely has to explain the situation to the Senate Select Committee [on Members’ Interests]. There are serious questions being asked and I believe he should be absolutely upfront and clear about it.”

Meanwhile, Green Party Senator Mark Dearey said Mr Callely should give a full account of his expenses to today's committee meeting and that he had passed up the opportunity to do so in the Seanad yesterday.

Senator Ivor Callely landed in difficulty after it emerged he had submitted €81,000 in expenses claims.

The Dublin-based Senator had claimed overnight and travel expenses from his west Cork property for two years. Mr Callely, a former TD for Dublin North Central, maintains his Dublin home and constituency office in Clontarf, and both are referred to on his website.

Mr Callely yesterday asked for the Select Committee on Members’ Interests to assess his case after Taoiseach Brian Cowen called on him to explain himself.

The senator said reports so far on his financial claims did not give the full picture and he looked forward to a speedy and satisfactory resolution of the controversy.

(DW/BMcC)