Quigley to lead Leech inquiry

A former chairman of the Revenue Commissioners has been appointed to head the inquiry into the awarding of lucrative government contracts to PR executive Monica Leech.

Waterford-based Ms Leech earned over €300,000 in fees from the Environment Department – Minister Martin Cullen’s former post – since her appointment in 2002, according to information supplied to Fine Gael in the Dáil.

Dermot Quigley has been chosen by the Taoiseach to probe the “procurement procedures” involved in the awarding of the contracts by the Environment Department and the Office of Public Works since Mr Cullen took office in 1997.

The Taoiseach said on Sunday that another inquiry by the Dáil watchdog, the Standards in Public Office Commission, was also “likely“.

The Taoiseach’s department said the terms of reference would include examining the procedures adopted in relation to the normal practice.

Mr Quigley must also check whether the services contracted for differed in any way from those provided.

The senior civil servant will make a report on his findings and make a recommendations on changes in practice.