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MINISTER FOR HOUSING Darragh O’Brien has suggested that one of the possible reforms of ethics rules for politicians could be declaring accommodation “arrangements” TDs and senators have with local authorities.
It comes after it was revealed that junior minister Robert Troy had not correctly declared several properties on the Dáil’s official list of members’ interests in recent years.
The Fianna Fail TD for Longford-Westmeath resigned this week following mounting pressure and a call from the Green Party leader Eamon Ryan for two probes into what he called “significant errors” in his declarations that he claimed undermined trust in the political system.
Troy had said that he would amend his declarations, but the Standards in Public Offices Commission (SIPO) clarified that he did not need to officially declare that he had sold a house in Mullingar to Westmeath County Council in 2018 for €230,000.
The controversy has prompted a debate around the strength of ethics legislation for public representatives, and Government ministers have claimed that the issues that have arisen will be dealt with as part of a review into ethics reforms that was announced in November last year by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath.
Speaking on Newstalk today about the declarations of Oireachtas members’ interests, O’Brien said that there would be “learnings” from the Robert Troy controversy.
He said that “changes could be looked at particularly around declarations if TDs or senators actually have arrangements with local authorities, through the Rental Accommodation Scheme or (the Housing Assistance Payment) … That’s a change that could be made”.
In relation to the interests of politicians and how they form part of Dail debates, O’Brien said: “I think there would be a legal problem for saying TDs who are elected by the people can only vote on some things and not others. I believe there would be a very serious legal and constitutional issue with that. I think people would understand that.”
“Having said that, particularly around if someone is a publican and there’s legislation coming forward or a debate in relation to licensing and the operation of pubs, then they should very clearly state it within the debate and that does happen.
“But maybe that is an element that needs to be strengthened.”
“I’ve seen it many, many times over the years – I’ve been in the Dail since 2007 – that people when they get up on their feet to speak, they say, ‘Look, by the way, I’m a publican,’ and I think that’s the way to do it.”
The Fianna Fail TD for Dublin Fingal said Minister Michael McGrath is working on whether SIPO needs additional powers.
“I think there will be learnings from this,” O’Brien said.
“To be fair, the body politic does need to respond, and to make sure there is confidence within the ethics legislation that’s there around the declarations and how things operate, and I would certainly welcome that.
“I have no doubt that changes and relevant changes will be made. Well in advance of this controversy coming up Minister McGrath had actually been working on, and is working on that already, and I would support any relevant changes in that space.
“I think there are learnings needed from this, no question.”
Mayo deserved the win. They were the best team in the league and Mc Stay has for some reason reignited O Shea . Galway will hopefully do what matters come the business end of the year . I wouldn’t rule out a Galway v Mayo All Ireland Final ( Mother of God )
@Finnster: Galway would win it if that was the case.
@Finnster: On the basis of 2001 how much should I bet on Galway winning Sam?
@Bert Carolan: I’d put the house on it Bert
@Finnster: Lol, not the house but maybe a few quid.
This was a strange league, Mayo and Roscommon had to be ahead of other counties fitness wise. Maybe reflected in their good showing.
Mayo do have a soft centre though, will need to be sorted for championship.
@Bert Carolan: 2001 Mayo beat Galway in the league final. Roscommon then beat both Mayo and Galway in Connacht and Galway went in to win Sam Maguire so watch this space Bert : )
Team and supporters should organise a camino from Knock to top of Croagh Patrick to lift the “you know what” so SAM can return after a very long absence. Would be the “icing on the cake” for the county after the US presidential visit to Mayo next week.
@Caroline O’Sullivan: US presidents come and go, but Mayo choking when it really matters, that’s forever.
@Caroline O’Sullivan: yeah no Dublin or Kerry are winning Sam this year Mayo pmsl not going to happen.
Mayo, the only county in Ireland that gives the jackeens sleepless nights.
Galway where poor today, not at the race. Think a better team without Comer, he losted/wasted a lot of ball.
Well doné mayo, watch out for the rossies next week.
@Spud Geshletter: They are about a month to 6 weeks behind in training
@Shaun Gallagher: may be so but all young men, again in my view had some good ball when a point behind.
Comer took on a silly shot from the left and lost some ball all be it well marked.
Had he scored the goal, man of the match. Just think a better side to pick off a few points without trying to hit Comer with long balls. Hence I am not the manager.
I wouldnt rule out the Dubs for Sam -Wouldnt begrudge Mayo to finally pull i o
I wouldnt rule out the Dubs for Sam wouldnt begrudge Mayo to finally pull it off though.
have your say