Madam, – It is stated that “Ivor Callely had claimed over €80,000 in expenses because he was travelling from his holiday home in . . . west Cork, to the Seanad”.
While it is one thing to “claim” expenses, it is quite another thing to actually pay the amount just because it was claimed.
Who approves expenses for members of the Dáil and Seanad? In most organisations, expenses are claimed and then submitted to someone in authority for consideration, and if agreed as being appropriate and correct, are approved for payment.
I believe Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan needs to urgently go back to the drawing board and this time introduce an expenses procedure which is fit for purpose. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – There are anomalies in the expenses regime, according to Senator Ivor Callely – but at whose expense? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I am highly amused having watched Ivor Callely state that he will address the matter of expenses claimed by him. The question is, what address is he talking about?
Wherever he is living, surely it is inappropriate that he is able to charge an overnight expense while staying in his own house in Dublin? The taxpayer’s money is once again being wasted. – Yours etc,