Six TD's and senators forced to refund illegitimate expense claims

Plumbthedepths · 12-10-2019 12:59pm

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

This expenses story is a yearly story, and real tabloid reader fodder. A politician isn’t going to knowingly and deliberately defraud the expenses system just so they can make a few thousand quid. To think otherwise is real fantasy stuff. I think outrage just comes easier to some people as nuance and perspective gives them a migraine.

Possibly so but it's a remarkable coincidence that several FG TDs/Senator made this list that also had questionable behaviour before involving financial matters. Maria Bailey attempting to shake down the Dean hotel for 20k in a letter, Mulhern claiming 2k for personal phone calls to her boyfriend. Lastly Alan Farrel attempting to claim for pre existing damage to his car in a court case.

seligehgit · 12-10-2019 1:09pm

Snow Garden wrote: »

When is Fine Gael going to reform the Seanad given they failed miserably to abolish it?
These senators are costing us a fortune.

Would'nt lay all the blame at their door.Voted for it's abolition but too many voted to retain it to give the government a bloody nose.

A very ineffectual upper house in ensuring any checks on both executive and the other arm of the legislature ( The Dail ).

EmmetSpiceland · 12-10-2019 2:26pm

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

This expenses story is a yearly story, and real tabloid reader fodder. A politician isn’t going to knowingly and deliberately defraud the expenses system just so they can make a few thousand quid. To think otherwise is real fantasy stuff. I think outrage just comes easier to some people as nuance and perspective gives them a migraine.

What do you expect, J, this is the “Current Affair” forum. Nuance? You having a laugh?? The majority of posters in here would be, solely, “tabloid” readers.

The “white van” types, three papers across the dash weighed down by garage breakfast rolls. Empty lucozade bottles, wrappers and old, old, “red tops” littering the floor.

Course humour only, nothing “cerebral”. Ogling and objectifying the “dolly birds” in those rags. Giving it all the “I’d ride the hole off Samantha Mumba!!” type comments. All very base.

No, I really think you hit the nail on the head there. All “bar stool” politicos here, only complaining and attacking, none willing to roll up their, “proverbial”, sleeves to get involved locally or make a direct influence.

pablo128 · 12-10-2019 2:49pm

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

This expenses story is a yearly story, and real tabloid reader fodder. A politician isn’t going to knowingly and deliberately defraud the expenses system just so they can make a few thousand quid. To think otherwise is real fantasy stuff. I think outrage just comes easier to some people as nuance and perspective gives them a migraine.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/ivor-callely-sentenced-to-five-months-in-prison-1.1880454%3Fmode%3Damp&ved=2ahUKEwi2rMCP7pblAhWjoFwKHcKeCHkQFjAAegQIBxAC&usg=AOvVaw0x-X1VNnF8Pi3kAimmeaPr&ampcf=1

EmmetSpiceland · 12-10-2019 2:59pm

pablo128 wrote: »

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/ivor-callely-sentenced-to-five-months-in-prison-1.1880454%3Fmode%3Damp&ved=2ahUKEwi2rMCP7pblAhWjoFwKHcKeCHkQFjAAegQIBxAC&usg=AOvVaw0x-X1VNnF8Pi3kAimmeaPr&ampcf=1

“Sinn Fein man Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 printer cartridges

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has called for an investigation over the use of 50,600 euros worth of ink printer cartridges by a Sinn Fein TD.

Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 cartridges over a two-year period. The figure emerged in a report in the Irish Daily Mail, based on information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The cartridges were valued at 130 euros each and 215 were taken in 2007 and another 219 in 2008.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-17208690

padd b1975 · 12-10-2019 3:08pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

“Sinn Fein man Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 printer cartridges

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has called for an investigation over the use of 50,600 euros worth of ink printer cartridges by a Sinn Fein TD.

Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 cartridges over a two-year period. The figure emerged in a report in the Irish Daily Mail, based on information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The cartridges were valued at 130 euros each and 215 were taken in 2007 and another 219 in 2008.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-17208690

Did he reimburse, or did the "average industrial wage" not stretch that far?

EmmetSpiceland · 12-10-2019 3:23pm

padd b1975 wrote: »

Did he reimburse, or did the "average industrial wage" not stretch that far?

Perhaps a kindly “Saxon” left him a little something in his will?

Plumbthedepths · 12-10-2019 3:35pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

“Sinn Fein man Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 printer cartridges

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has called for an investigation over the use of 50,600 euros worth of ink printer cartridges by a Sinn Fein TD.

Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 cartridges over a two-year period. The figure emerged in a report in the Irish Daily Mail, based on information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The cartridges were valued at 130 euros each and 215 were taken in 2007 and another 219 in 2008.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-17208690

From 11 years ago? lol.

Meanwhile 4 FG members forced to pay back wrongfully claimed expenses in recent weeks. Bailey alone had to pay back 2000 euro.

EmmetSpiceland · 12-10-2019 3:41pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

From 11 years ago? lol.

Considering “pablo128”’s post was from 5 years back I didn’t think there was a limit to the “whataboutery”.

P.S. lol.

Plumbthedepths · 12-10-2019 4:10pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

Considering “pablo128”’s post was from 5 years back I didn’t think there was a limit to the “whataboutery”.

P.S. lol.

You thanked a post by Johnny which claimed that Politicains do not deliberately commit fraud. Pablo's link demonstrated that as usual your friend is wrong.
lol.

Underground · 12-10-2019 4:24pm

I have to say I find it pretty pathetic that some will do all they can to obfuscate and obstruct any conversation involving criticism of FG. It's a thread on Boards, why insist on defending FG to the hilt (whilst simultaneously insisting "hey guys, this really isn't a big deal, you're all being hysterical m'kay")?

I can't think of why anyone would devote their time to doing this morning, noon and night, weekends included, without at least being paid. If you're being paid, fair enough, it's a (sh*t) job. If not, then well, I feel for you brah.

The issue here is that 22 politicians were audited and six claimed expenses that they couldn't account for and had to refund same. The refunded amounts total €10k and FG account for 80% of that 10k with one guy alone accounting for 40% of the headline figure. To any sane individual, this raises a hell of a lot of questions and will anger quite a few.

Beasty · 12-10-2019 4:25pm

This is the "Current" Affairs forum - let's not drag up things from a decade ago

Also please do not start talking about who thanks what - just stay on topic, and discuss that topic in a civil manner

Thanks

Beasty · 12-10-2019 4:29pm

Let me just add that politics and people supporting particular political parties is of course going to result in people adopting a stance to defend their own political persuasions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that from either side of the political divide, so please don't start having a dig at people who may be looking at something from a different political perspective than yourself

pinkyeye · 12-10-2019 6:44pm

What utter BS. It's not a matter of political perspective whether something is fraud or not.

ChikiChiki · 12-10-2019 7:58pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

“Sinn Fein man Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 printer cartridges

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has called for an investigation over the use of 50,600 euros worth of ink printer cartridges by a Sinn Fein TD.

Aengus O Snodaigh used 434 cartridges over a two-year period. The figure emerged in a report in the Irish Daily Mail, based on information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The cartridges were valued at 130 euros each and 215 were taken in 2007 and another 219 in 2008.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-17208690

"Because they did it, it is ok for us to do it" In a nutshell, the problem with FG. New politics my hole.

As a party, they and their supporters are so unaware, I do not know if they are taking the piss out of everyone at this stage. F**king clowns.

Pintman Paddy Losty · 12-10-2019 8:24pm

pinkyeye wrote: »

What utter BS. It's not a matter of political perspective whether something is fraud or not.

Beasty has been very measured in his assessment of things here in my opinion. Not sure why you're so upset at a very uncontenciois statement like that.

Snow Garden · 12-10-2019 11:10pm

The scary thing about the dodgy expenses story is that they were randomly audited.

The independent audit by consultants, Mazars, which was completed this year, found 6 out of 22 TDs and senators randomly selected for audit had made ineligible claims worth €9,650

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/fine-gael-tds-maria-bailey-and-alan-farrell-had-to-refund-oireachtas-expenses-1.4046756

The politicians and amount of invalid expenses were;
TDs
Alan Farrell (FG) - €4,214.79;
Maria Bailey (FG) - €1,977.11
Senators
Michelle Mulherin (FG) - €2,006.73;
Lynn Ruane (Ind) - €978.81;
Colette Kelleher (Ind) - €245.85
Jerry Buttimer (FG) - €227.16.

Fine Gael had 87% of the dodgy expenses.

Random audits? Frauds like Farrell and Bailey should be audited every week!

Eric Cartman · 13-10-2019 3:27am

Not shocked by the number of fg names on the list. Shocked that theres no PbP or SF names though, well known that theyre hiding fraud in broad daylight

13-10-2019 11:09am

When you're on a randomly audited list that has Mick Lowry on the honest side and you on the dishonest side it's probably time to reflect on your values in life.

McMurphy · 13-10-2019 11:28am

Eric Cartman wrote: »

Not shocked by the number of fg names on the list. Shocked that theres no PbP or SF names though, well known that theyre hiding fraud in broad daylight

It's well known - yet a random audit didn't smoke them out.

As previously stated, when the likes of Lowry isn't rumbled fiddling with a random audit - well then you're on the wrong side of right.

Underground · 13-10-2019 2:35pm

10% of them are chosen at random each year for this audit, so they know that this is coming, and still persist with acting the maggot.

Like I said I think 250 quid of unaccountable expenses is taking the mick but it could have plausibly been an honest mistake. But a grand? Two grand?? Four fcucking grand!?? Get up the yard.

McMurphy · 13-10-2019 2:47pm

Good news only please lads.

Fine Gael Senator proposes ‘positivity seminar’ to boost party morale

Odyssey 2005 · 13-10-2019 2:48pm

Johnny Dogs wrote: »

Good news only please lads.

Fine Gael Senator proposes ‘positivity seminar’ to boost party morale

What a fukin clown.:D

WishUWereHere · 13-10-2019 2:53pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

Johnny Dogs wrote: »

Good news only please lads.

Fine Gael Senator proposes ‘positivity seminar’ to boost party morale

LOL, Poor Simon has to rally party members who think the party is (quote) downtrodden.

FFS Simon, it's TOTALLY self inflicted!!!

Pintman Paddy Losty · 13-10-2019 4:18pm

Johnny Dogs wrote: »

Good news only please lads.

Fine Gael Senator proposes ‘positivity seminar’ to boost party morale

I see we are back to dumping any vaguely anti-FG political story in here like the last thread?

Not sure what a group of loyal and hardworking public representatives wanting to rise above the quagmire of negativity has to do with completely different set of public representatives who mis-declared their expense claims?

You might clarify Johnny?

deiseindublin · 13-10-2019 4:30pm

Ah Paddy, how is it negative to spread the world about FGs fabulous positivity seminar?

Now, let's all hold hands and it'll all be alright.

WishUWereHere · 13-10-2019 4:49pm

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

I see we are back to dumping any vaguely anti-FG political story in here like the last thread?

Not sure what a group of loyal and hardworking public representatives wanting to rise above the quagmire of negativity has to do with completely different set of public representatives who mis-declared their expense claims?

You might clarify Johnny?

Mind me asking, what is 'vague' about this story? The very first words used in it ( Headline ) is Fine Gael. That cannot be more clearer. As for the use of the word dumping? Johnny is only POSTING an article of interest to some people about FG. Nobody is asking you to read it.

Or have you now become a Mod and going to get this thread also closed?

You really cannot take the negativity can you paddy?

WishUWereHere · 13-10-2019 5:11pm

Here's another article which shows FG in a negative manner.

https://www.thejournal.ie/data-protection-budget-4848807-Oct2019/

Paschal cannot come up with this money, but FG had no problem giving ALL td's an increase a short while ago.

NOT ONE complaint afaik from any td objecting to this increase. Truth be known, they are ALL the same:mad::mad::mad:

pinkyeye · 13-10-2019 7:56pm

Don't rise to attempts to close this discussion down lads.

Snow Garden · 13-10-2019 10:21pm

Michael Martin and FF must be very pleased. All they need to do is sit back, do nothing and watch their popularity increase.
Fine Gael TDs are filling the headlines with dodgy practices and senior ministers are failing across the board.

WishUWereHere · 13-10-2019 10:55pm

Snow Garden wrote: »

Michael Martin and FF must be very pleased. All they need to do is sit back, do nothing and watch their popularity increase.
Fine Gael TDs are filling the headlines with dodgy practices and senior ministers are failing across the board.

And therein is the problem with politics in Ireland. FG are doing themselves no favors, but the alternative who bankrupted the country and saddled generations with debt just sit on their arses and bide their time.

WishUWereHere · 13-10-2019 11:00pm

pinkyeye wrote: »

Don't rise to attempts to close this discussion down lads.

Not easy Pinkyeye, not easy. But we MUST do our utmost and not get this one closed down.

And seeing as I have made 2 posts in a row, I cannot make a third in case I attract paddy”s ire lol

Pintman Paddy Losty · 14-10-2019 7:32pm

Nothing in the news since the expenses mis-calculation was first published.

No sign on Maria Bailey trending on twitter.

There hasn't even been a post in here all day.

This story doesn't seem to have much traction?

Do people not care as much or are developments in Brussels, Westminister and Syria stealing the headlines?

McMurphy · 14-10-2019 8:52pm

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

Nothing in the news since the expenses mis-calculation was first published.

No sign on Maria Bailey trending on twitter.

There hasn't even been a post in here all day.

This story doesn't seem to have much traction?

Do people not care as much or are developments in Brussels, Westminister and Syria stealing the headlines?

Is this the equivalent of just posting "bump"?

Is bailey to be trending on Twitter 24/7?

Oh and by the way. Today's Indo. link

Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey recently withdrew an injury claim after falling from a swing in a Dublin hotel. The Irish Independent revealed how social media posts show she took part in a 10km race three weeks after the fall.

Court papers described her as a "keen runner prior to the accident but could not run at all for three months post-accident and has had to reduce her activities significantly since".

Ms Bailey later dropped the claim after coming under political pressure.

Odyssey 2005 · 14-10-2019 9:02pm

One mans

miscalculation, is another mans attempted stroke.

pinkyeye · 14-10-2019 9:08pm

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

WishUWereHere · 15-10-2019 5:42am

pinkyeye wrote: »

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

I agree with you, Pinkyeye. It would appear that between paddy & emmet, they are taking turns in doing their ‘bit’ to have this thread go the same way as the last. Wonder where flash Johnny is?

As for paddy’s last comment? No comment.

JohnnyFlash · 15-10-2019 6:54am

FG the largest party in the State, and young Leo’s approval rating gone to 51%. Some of the political pundits around here would have you believe we weren’t that far away from a revolution such was the levels of disillusion with the Government. What gives?

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/irish-times-poll-varadkar-s-approval-rating-rises-above-50-1.4050285?mode=amp

As for my whereabouts, Wish, well I was off to the other side of the world on important company business. Back now for a few days, then off to the other side of the world for some rest and relaxation. Thanks for the enquiry.

Wanderer78 · 15-10-2019 6:59am

JohnnyFlash wrote:

FG the largest party in the State, and young Leoâ€™s approval rating gone to 51%. Some of the political pundits around here would have you believe we werenâ€™t that far away from a revolution such was the levels of disillusion with the Government. What gives?

We re not ready for change, major parties such as fg and ff will always play a significant part in Irish governments, so role on same same

is_that_so · 15-10-2019 9:21am

WishUWereHere wrote: »

Here's another article which shows FG in a negative manner.

https://www.thejournal.ie/data-protection-budget-4848807-Oct2019/

Paschal cannot come up with this money, but FG had no problem giving ALL td's an increase a short while ago.

NOT ONE complaint afaik from any td objecting to this increase. Truth be known, they are ALL the same:mad::mad::mad:

That wasn't specifically aimed at them, it was a well-flagged PS pay increase.

is_that_so · 15-10-2019 9:23am

Wanderer78 wrote: »

We re not ready for change, major parties such as fg and ff will always play a significant part in Irish governments, so role on same same

What there is to change to offers no comfort to anyone save the much smaller numbers that support them.

James Brown · 15-10-2019 1:59pm

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

FG the largest party in the State, and young Leo’s approval rating gone to 51%. Some of the political pundits around here would have you believe we weren’t that far away from a revolution such was the levels of disillusion with the Government. What gives?

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/irish-times-poll-varadkar-s-approval-rating-rises-above-50-1.4050285?mode=amp

As for my whereabouts, Wish, well I was off to the other side of the world on important company business. Back now for a few days, then off to the other side of the world for some rest and relaxation. Thanks for the enquiry.

I don't think it's revolution. I do think Fine Gael, specifically under Leo, with a nudge from Enda 'man with two pints' Kenny, has lost any credibility as being the more straight laced brother of Fianna Fail. So what are they left with? A different branding is all. The public will forgive and vote for a cute hoor far above a privileged condescending TD/Party, which is all Fine Gael are and in Fitzgerald, Harris, Murphy, Varadkar, Reilly, Bailey, Farrell et al. they've the best people in that category when you throw in alleged incompetence with Noonan as the questionable aul' Uncle lets the parish Bingo money rest in his account.

McMurphy · 15-10-2019 4:49pm

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

Nothing in the news since the expenses mis-calculation was first published.?

Paddy, I'm sorry to have to do this two days in a row, but it looks like Maria was once again making news today.

Madigan is latest FG TD to remove social media photo of Maria Bailey

Looks like even Maria's partner in crime is joining in on the ostracism of the poor woman. Was the "miscalculations" story the one that broke the camels back do you think?

Anyone still think this story is going away?

James Brown · 15-10-2019 5:59pm

That's snakey. Dropping a pal for optics. Might make Maria more willing to drop Josepha from a height advice wise.

I wonder was their a time the ladies thought they were the FG equivalent of the Democrats 'Squad'? The squids?

Pintman Paddy Losty · 15-10-2019 6:07pm

Matt Barrett wrote: »

That's snakey. Selling out a pal because for optics. Might make Maria more willing to drop Josepha from a height advice wise.

I wonder was their a time the ladies thought they were the FG equivalent of the Democrats 'Squad'? The squids?

Wait? Are you advocating people stand by "mates" if they think they have not behaved correctly?

James Brown · 15-10-2019 6:12pm

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

Wait? Are you advocating people stand by "mates" if they think they have not behaved correctly?

'wait' isn't much of a question Paddy.
Depends doesn't it?
So you think Josepha believes Maria acted incorrectly, so much so that she's dropping any association with her? Does anyone in FG have any friends?

Snow Garden · 15-10-2019 6:37pm

Johnny Dogs wrote: »

Paddy, I'm sorry to have to do this two days in a row, but it looks like Maria was once again making news today.

Madigan is latest FG TD to remove social media photo of Maria Bailey

Looks like even Maria's partner in crime is joining in on the ostracism of the poor woman. Was the "miscalculations" story the one that broke the camels back do you think?

Anyone still think this story is going away?

Well spotted by the Indo. They do love this story and will keep the pressure on Madigan who we all know is hiding the truth about her involvement with the completely bona fides insurance claim.

McMurphy · 15-10-2019 7:31pm

While I agree snow, prob best to edit that post.

The two second last words prob has a few of the lads hitting the report button only wanting the excuse to get the thread closed.

May I suggest "dodgy claim" as in hindsight, it certainly appeared so by anyone looking in, and the fact she dropped it, and a report finding she "overstated her injuries" - well then that cannot be questioned by people.

There's also the little uncomfortable statement Leo made about certain aspects of the tale/Maria's claim that he could not reconcile.

Snow Garden · 15-10-2019 11:27pm

Johnny Dogs wrote: »

While I agree snow, prob best to edit that post.

The two second last words prob has a few of the lads hitting the report button only wanting the excuse to get the thread closed.

Sorry I did not know. I fixed the post.

McMurphy · 15-10-2019 11:43pm

Snow Garden wrote: »

Sorry I did not know. I fixed the post.

Ha! That edits better than my suggestion:pac:

Six TD's and senators forced to refund illegitimate expense claims

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