National Stud defends €85,000 board expenses

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

The highest claimant was Pat O’Kelly, who retired from the board last December, and incurred €71,157 during the period. She had been a director for 19-years.

The Irish National Stud (INS) said Ms O’Kelly, who owns the Kilcarn Stud, was nominated by the board to travel for specific duties.