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Former TD Dara Murphy PA

Rowdy scenes in Dáil as Martin asks Varadkar: 'Have you asked Dara Murphy to refer himself for investigation?'

Three bodies have ruled themselves out of carrying out an investigation.

THE ISSUE OF former Cork TD Dara Murphy, his attendance and his expenses were raised again in the Dáil today. 

There were some rowdy scenes after Leaders’ Questions when Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said it is more than two weeks since former Murphy formally resigned as a Member of the House. 

Martin questioned the Taoiseach about what form of inquiry would be launched into Murphy, highlighting that three bodies the Taoiseach suggested should carry out an investigation have all stated it is not under their remit.

The Dáil Ethics Committee determined last week that it cannot investigate the complaint as Murphy is no longer a TD. 

Other than the committee, the Standards in Public Office (Sipo), as well as the Clerk of the Dail have stated that they do not have the jurisdiction to investigate. 

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

The former minister of State has been based in Brussels for the past two years where he has worked as full-time director of elections for the European People’s Party (EPP). Fine Gael is a member of the EPP, a political grouping in the European Union.

Attendance 

Questions have been raised about Murphy working in Brussels while also being a sitting TD in the Dáil. Questions have also been raised about how Murphy has been in Leinster House on 24 sitting days out of 70 in the first nine months of 2019 and just 42 of the 104 sitting days during 2018.

Last week, the Taoiseach stated that Murphy is willing to fully comply with any inquiry. 

However, Martin stated in the Dáil today that an inquiry can only happen if Murphy agrees to present himself for investigation.

The Fianna Fáil leader said Murphy “effectively retired from serving the people of the north side of Cork approximately two years ago when he accepted a role as campaign manager for the European People’s Party, an appointment on which the Taoiseach congratulated him and wished him well”.

He noted that the Taoiseach has said he will find a way to have an independent investigation into Murphy’s performance of his role as a deputy.

“Given all that the Taoiseach has said on the subject in recent weeks, has he asked his former colleague to refer himself to the Committee on Members’ Interests under that legislation? If not, will he so do?”

There were tetchy barbs between the two leaders as Leo Varadkar chose to answer the question by referring to Fianna Fáil’s Lisa Chambers, Niall Collins and Timmy Dooley who are caught up in the ‘votegate’ controversy relating to TDs voting on behalf of their colleagues. 

Discussions with Murphy 

“In respect of the former Deputy, Dara Murphy, I am aware the provision exists, and we have had some discussions with him about it,” said Varadkar.

Martin replied:

Did the Taoiseach ask him? I asked a simple question and am entitled to an answer. Did the Taoiseach ask him or not? The Taoiseach has been asked publicly about the matter, as has his party. I am asking him formally in the House whether he has asked Mr. Murphy to avail of the mechanism. It is a “Yes” or “No” question.

“Both I and my advisers have discussed with the former Deputy, Dara Murphy, a number of options as to how an inquiry can be carried out. That is one of the options we have discussed with him and it is still a work in progress. There should be an inquiry and Mr Murphy has agreed to submit to one. He should pay back any expenses if the inquiry finds against him,” said the Taoiseach. 

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    Mute Joan Needham
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:49 PM

    I let my 8yr old son take a day off school last year to spend it watching silage being cut. When I asked him what he was going to tell his teacher the next day, he told me he would tell him he spent the day doing work experience…I couldnt argue with that! I had to take the day off work as a paid holiday to sit with him watching the tractors going by. It was a great memory day for him and me.

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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Feb 11th 2016, 12:11 AM

    Next time approach a farmer, fairly sure he will let you help, farmers go unnoticed by so many.

    88
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    Mute Matt Donovan
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:38 PM

    That’s the kind of Dad I want to be with my daughter.

    123
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    Mute Papasmurf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:42 PM

    It would be really funny if it was convent with a mother superior type reading it.

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    Mute Papasmurf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:43 PM

    Matt, if it was Ireland the kid wouldn’t have made it in at all as they would have all headed back to the residents bar in the hotel for a tipple afterwards.

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    Mute Anne O'Hara
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:39 PM

    The Boss does a show that’s worth the money and more. Fair play to Dad :-)

    91
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    Mute tmwtbc
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:48 PM

    Friend of mine, not a fan until then, went to see him in Dublin around 2010 (open to correction). Met him in a bar for a few pints afterwards and he was absolutely blown away.

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    Mute nf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:36 PM

    I wanna be that dad

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    Mute Johnneary
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:39 PM

    Bruce Shillingsteal.
    The Caviar Denim Whingebag.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:48 PM

    Been lucky enough to see the Boss play live, no-one does a show like him. Puts his heart and soul into every classic and is coolness personified. Isabelle will carry that buzz forever. Cool Dad.

    54
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    Mute Papasmurf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:52 PM

    Willie Nelson is known to keep going too at gigs.

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    Mute Colette Kearns
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:35 PM

    I gave my son the day off after going to see u2 because he called me to ask could he go on to the after party, first told him he would have to go in to school in the morning, then called him back 5 mins later to let him know he didn’t! Thease are special memories for them, allow them to enjoy them. As they say you only live once!! :-)

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    Mute margaret donohoe
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:47 PM

    Amazing dad fair play to him.

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    Mute Lad
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:41 PM

    Letter to work sorted..

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    Mute Tom
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:36 PM

    Smacks of over sharing, it would be nice if it was their own private experience rather than him claiming it publicly.

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    Mute The Guru
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    Feb 11th 2016, 2:03 AM

    They’re American. They have no concept of over sharing.

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    Mute Colette Kearns
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    Feb 11th 2016, 1:31 AM

    Agh Benny & Tom would you both lighten up! This is about a father & daughter having a great evening out & his daughter having/making a memory that will stay with her all her life! X

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    Mute Jimmy Dunphy
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    Feb 11th 2016, 12:02 AM

    There’s going to be a whole lot of 12 year olds at the next Bruce Springsteen concerts

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    Mute gerry meagher
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    Feb 11th 2016, 1:45 AM

    Mine won’t go ‘dad rock’ ffs

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    Mute Benny Dorm
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:56 PM

    Nothing spectacular.

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    Mute gerry meagher
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:11 PM

    Greatest live act prices are a bit steep though although all acts seem to charge more here than rest of Europe citing extra costs logistics etc

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    Mute alpha_chaarlie
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    Feb 11th 2016, 10:18 AM

    Bruce Springsteen is a Langer

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    Mute Derek McEvoy
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    Feb 11th 2016, 8:09 AM

    Thats class, the same man didnt even know about Brian Healys stag in Manchester next weekend. Strange or what. Imagine he knew about the water charges

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