PAC probe urged as Creighton accuses Hogan of abuse of taxpayers’ money

Reform Alliance leader Lucinda Creighton has attacked her former ministerial colleague, Phil Hogan, and accused the Fine Gael minister of “abusing” taxpayers’ money.

The former European affairs minister also called on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate how parties were using taxpayers’ money amid concerns over a lack of transparency.

Her comments came as TDs last night agreed in the Dáil to cut the allowance for party leaders and independents by 10% and for future claims to be vouched. TDs also agreed to abolish severance pay for ministers.