Probes into bill claims will clear me, says Brennan

TRANSPORT Minister Seamus Brennan insisted yesterday he will be cleared by the two investigations into claims he left the airport authority, Aer Rianta, with an unpaid brandy and cigars bill for £5,000.

Department of Transport officials are seeking a rapid conclusion to one of the two separate investigations. However, Aer Rianta said it will be next week before its auditors, KMPG, complete their report for presentation to the company board.

While Aer Rianta signalled the controversy will drag into a second weekend, efforts were afoot to at least conclude the other departmental inquiry. This investigation by the secretary general of the Department of Transport, Julie O’Neill is close to completion but some answers to questions she submitted to Aer Rianta are awaited.