Councillors demand a crackdown on expenses

TWO local councillors, who refuse to claim conference expenses, have called for an immediate crackdown on the system so that taxpayers’ money can be put to better use.

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary and Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill made the call after it emerged that several members of Cork City Council have claimed way above the maximum guideline amount set by Environment Minister John Gormley.

The minister introduced a €4,700 limit per councillor earlier this year to cap the total amount of money spent by local authorities on sending elected members to conferences, seminars or other similar meetings.