Commission to consider inquiry into PR contract awards

The Standards in Public Office Commission is due to meet this evening to discuss whether to hold an inquiry into the awarding of government PR contracts to Waterford consultant Monica Leech.

The commission has sought legal advice before deciding whether to investigate the matter.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen recommended Ms Leech be given contracts with the Department of the Environment and the Office of Public Works.

Mr Cullen was the minister in charge of the two organisations at the time of the awards, but an investigation by retired Revenue chairman Dermot Quigley cleared him of any impropriety.