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Dara Murphy with former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2014. Niall Carson

Simon Harris says former TD Dara Murphy should pay back some of his expenses

Questions still hang over who will carry out the review into Murphy’s expense claims.

HEALTH MINISTER SIMON Harris has said that former TD Dara Murphy should pay back some of the expenses he has claimed. 

The minister was asked today by reporters if Murphy should be asked to pay back some of the expenses or whether he is now beyond reproach as he has taken up a new job in Brussels. 

Murphy, formerly a Cork North Central TD, has faced criticism in recent weeks over reports around his attendance at Leinster House. 

The Dáil Committee on Members’ Interests had been asked to examine whether or not Murphy breached ethics legislation by claiming his full allowance while he was largely absent from Dáil over the past two years.

Last week, the Taoiseach said that if an investigation does determine that Murphy broke the rules, then he should pay the money back. 

However, when asked today about the issue, Harris said Murphy should repay some of what he has claimed: 

“I think he should, but I think before you and I decide what that level should be, I think it would be useful for somebody who’s not you or I to have a look at this. And whilst he’s no longer a member of Dáil Eireann, my understanding is that all expenses for any TD are still auditable for up to five years, all of us get that information every year when we make a declaration that says it’s auditable for up to five years even when you’re not a TD any longer.

“And so I do know for example if you lost your seat in the general election, you could still be audited for your expenses for the previous year you were a TD. So there are still functions whereby audits can be carried and investigations can take place and I’m sure that will happen.”

He added that he would like politicians “to have no role whatsoever in their own expenses”. Harris said Ireland should follow in the footsteps of places like the UK that have a separate body that oversees expenses, adding that the Standards in Public Office (Sipo) might have a future role to play.

Leo Varadkar said last week that the expenses system for politicians is “too lax” and promised to overhaul it. 

The Taoiseach told the Dáil that the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) can investigate the concerns relating to the former TD. 

However, Sipo confirmed to TheJournal.ie that this is not the case as Murphy has ceased to be a TD. The Dáil’s Ethics Committee has also been ruled out for the same reason, with questions now hanging over who can carry out the review. 

Varadkar has stated that Murphy will fully co-operate with any inquiry, stating that the clerk of the Dáil might be in a position to investigate. 

While Harris said there have been many reforms over the last ten years when it comes to expenses, he would like to see further oversight introduced.

“Most politicians expenses now vouched, and rightly so, but absolutely there’s room for further improvements and I think the Taoiseach is right to highlight that. We want to see people who aren’t politicians make the rules.”

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    Mute conri
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:06 PM

    Get well soon Ceejay

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    Mute Paddy o'brien
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 11:48 PM

    This story proves that all we humanoids are really children

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    Mute Seán J. Troy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:02 PM

    We need more of this in the world.

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    Mute Johnneary
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:47 PM
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    Mute jenni
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:11 PM

    Oh what a nice reason to smile..well done Garda Ceejay. Get well soon.

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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:33 PM

    Beautiful tribute! Fair play to the Gardai and other police forces. It often goes unnoticed just how much charity work and work they do in their communities. And best of luck to young ceejay!

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    Mute The Girl
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:03 PM

    Keep fighting lil man and get well soon.

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    Mute Fear Uisce
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:05 PM

    The future looks bright for the force. Get well soon little man

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    Mute ken
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:09 PM

    Good man, Ceejay

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    Mute Patrick
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:08 PM

    Ceejay…hero! Get well little man

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    Mute Catherine Mc
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:18 PM

    Wiping away the tears how beautifully sweet, get well soon little man.

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    Mute Cathal P Forde
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:34 PM

    This is a great article, great to know people around the world care. Get well Ceejay, you will make a great Garda

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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:52 PM

    Ahh janey mackers….in such a cynical world these days some stories do melt your heart sometimes. Top work by all who sent him these messages. Get well soon Ceejay lad. :)

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:34 PM

    Well done Sargent Ceejay, get well soon.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    Superb story. Best of luck young man.

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    Mute Jenny Reid
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    What a brave wee man x

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:29 PM

    Well done to all the police family. Now Ceejay go kick some ass xx

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    Mute Peter Daly
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:45 PM

    Best wishes Garda McArdle.
    Showing great bravery, like any great cop.

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    Mute Alan O Reilly
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:37 PM

    Ah God,best of luck wee man.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 10:53 PM

    Ceejay stay on patrol my man!

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    Mute Gerry Campbell
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    Feb 24th 2016, 1:01 PM

    Just brilliant , get well soon..

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