Siptu had been unaware of ‘slush fund’

Siptu was unaware of the existence of a “slush fund” operated by one of its senior staff because its name was “misleading”.

Siptu has also admitted it decided against sacking the man responsible for the fund following legal advice.

It said the Siptu Health and Local Authority Levy Fund — uncovered in 2009 but operating since 1998 — had “tarnished” its reputation.