PRIVATE studs connected to key personnel at the Irish National Stud (INS) spent €235,199 over nine years to avail of the breeding facilities at the semi-state farm.

THE former chief executive of the Irish National Stud (INS) John Clarke was responsible for 60% of staff travel expenses’ claims for the company in 2008.

INDEPENDENT auditors Kealy Mehigan were commissioned by the Irish National Stud to examine 10 months of expenses bills incurred by its staff members.

AN internal Irish National Stud audit found its former chief executive John Clarke accounted for 60% of the total staff travel expenses bill for most of 2008.

THE Irish National Stud has defended the expenses bills for its seven-member board of directors which totalled €85,397 between 2001 and 2009.