Roche accuses FG of conference expenses fraud

ENVIRONMENT Minister Dick Roche yesterday criticised Fine Gael councillors who are using taxpayers’ money to go to a party conference, accusing them of “fraud”.

Mr Roche warned he would use his ministerial powers to stop local authorities sanctioning such expenses if they did not do it voluntarily.

The minister said when he heard about the Fine Gael plan from one local authority, he thought it was outrageous. Councillors can claim €1.28 per mile for the 200-mile round trip. They are also entitled to overnight expenses of €138 for the two-night stay, as well as being entitled to a conference fee of €200.