Callely to explain expenses in public

EMBATTLED Senator Ivor Callely has been ordered to explain his €81,015 travel expenses at public hearings.

The investigation by the Seanad’s watchdog committee had been expected to take place behind closed doors, but Mr Callely will now give his reasons for the travel bill in open session.

Following a ruling that there was evidence Mr Callely had a case to answer under standards in public office legislation by the members interests committee of the upper house, the former TD quit the Fianna Fáil party after pressure from the Taoiseach who threatened to expel him.