Sargent to Taoiseach: Fire Frank Fahey
Speaking under Dáil privilege, Mr Sargent made a number of allegations about Mr Fahey’s property dealings and about decisions he made as Marine Minister before 2002.
The attack was based on allegations published in the media over recent weeks.
Mr Fahey has trenchantly denied any impropriety, or any failure in registering his interests with the Standards in Public Office (SIPO).
Mr Sargent’s attack provoked a furious response from the Government benches with his comments being subjected to loud heckling and jeers from Fianna Fáil TDs.
In a question on rising prices in the housing market, Mr Sargent referred to the vast wealth of some of Fianna Fáil supporters.
He then his attention to Mr Fahey.
“What message does it send when a Minister of State like Deputy Fahey is able to avoid tax in building up a multi-million euro property empire?”
Mr Sargent stated that in 2005, Mr Fahey’s ‘empire’ included twenty properties in Ireland and seven abroad.
“He owns half a share in a property company and has stocks and work in progress worth €1.4 million.”
Later, he said: “He has a hazy recollection of receiving donations from Monarch Properties.
“He failed to declare interests in a Moscow hairdressing business…” Amid interruptions Mr Sargent also referred to the investigation by the Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly into the Fishing Vessels Lost at Sea scheme, a policy that dates from Mr Fahey’s period as Minister.
Two fishermen from Mr Fahey’s constituency were among the total of six who received compensation under the scheme — some 67 applications were received.
He also criticised Mr Fahey for giving “half of Ireland’s mackerel quota to just one boat, the Atlantic Dawn”.
He called on the Taoiseach to sack Mr Fahey.
Mr Fahey was not available for comment last night.
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