Flannery paid €409k by Rehab since 2006

Ex Rehab boss and Fine Gael adviser, Frank Flannery, has received €409,000 from the charity since leaving in 2006 — almost all of which was signed off by Angela Kerins and not the group’s finance director.

Figures detailed at the Dáil Public Accounts Committee show the massive sum was paid out for consultancy work and lobbying by the official.

Information supplied by the group after months of delays confirms Mr Flannery received €409,744 from 2007 to 2013, either paid directly or via his firm Laragh Consulting — far higher than previously suggested.

However, the firm did not exist according to the Company Registration Office for €130,000 of these payments after being dissolved.

Mr Flannery, who sparked outrage after refusing to turn up to yesterday’s PAC meeting, received €40,000 in 2007, months after stepping down as Rehab’s CEO in December 2006.

Over subsequent years, including 2011-2013 when he was a board member, he earned €68,750 (2008), €44,044 (2009), €60,000 (2010), €51,000 (2011), €66,000 (2012) and €79,950 in 2013.

The breakdown, which relates to international representation and lobbying the Government on the Charitable Lotteries Act, was uncovered by Rehab’s director of finance, Keith Poole.

The official only became aware of the deals while preparing the charity’s 2012 annual accounts, which noted the transfers to the recently returned board member as Rehab’s company memorandum states officials cannot receive consultancy money if they hold more than 1% of a firm.

Mr Poole said only figures above €50,000 were signed off by him. He confirmed recently retired CEO, Angela Kerins, organised and signed-off on the deals alongside a junior official.

When he realised Laragh Consulting had been dissolved, Mr Poole was told to pay the money directly to Mr Flannery.

Rehab’s chairman, Brian Kerr, told the committee an “ongoing” complaint was made from within the charity against Ms Kerins two months ago. Four of the five officials present said Ms Kerins was “outstanding” and “extremely successful”. Mr Poole declined to comment, then said she was “forceful”.