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14/09/2009
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.
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)
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)
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16 September 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.
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.
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.
14 October 2009
O'Donoghue Says Resignation Is 'A Wrong'
The outgoing Ceann Comhairle has claimed his departure "was a wrong done to the office". In his resignation speech yesterday, the ousted speaker who has been forced to resign following a series of damning revelations over excessive expenses, said he had been denied "due process" by the threat of a motion of no confidence.
O'Donoghue Says Resignation Is 'A Wrong'
The outgoing Ceann Comhairle has claimed his departure "was a wrong done to the office". In his resignation speech yesterday, the ousted speaker who has been forced to resign following a series of damning revelations over excessive expenses, said he had been denied "due process" by the threat of a motion of no confidence.
08 October 2009
O'Donoghue To Get €112,000 Payoff
Despite resigning in a blaze of controversy, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue is to claim €112,500 after being forced out of his position. The ousted Speaker of the Dail will be eligible for a salary of €100,000 for serving as a backbench TD and will also be able to claim an annual ministerial pension of around €25,000.
O'Donoghue To Get €112,000 Payoff
Despite resigning in a blaze of controversy, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue is to claim €112,500 after being forced out of his position. The ousted Speaker of the Dail will be eligible for a salary of €100,000 for serving as a backbench TD and will also be able to claim an annual ministerial pension of around €25,000.
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.
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