Probe into TD's financial affairs postponed

The State's ethics watchdog has postponed an investigation into former Fianna Fáil TD Michael Collins, who had a bogus non-resident account.

The Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) said it would wait until the Director of Public Prosecutions had dealt with the matter.

It began an investigation two months ago to see if Mr Collins had breached ethics legislation following a complaint by the chairman of the Dáil Committee on Members’ Interests, Fianna Fáil TD Noel Davern.

Mr Collins had provided a tax clearance certificate to SIPO, which all TDs must do before taking up their seats.

But in September last year, the name of the Limerick West TD was published by the Revenue Commissioners as part of a a list of more than 400 tax defaulters. Mr Collins reached a €130,000 settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in relation to a bogus non-resident account.

He also resigned from the Fianna Fáil party but is still holding his Dáil seat.