No grounds for Cullen probe - watchdog

An Oireachtas watchdog tonight ruled there were no grounds for an inquiry into the appointment of public relations consultant Monica Leech to the Department of Transport.

The Standards in Public Office Commission revealed it had considered the matter and felt no need to probe the awarding of contracts by transport minister Martin Cullen to Ms Leech.

The ethics committee ruled that the evidence before it did not establish a prima facie case warranting an investigation within the terms of the relevant legislation.

In a statement following the watchdog’s verdict Mr Cullen said: “I note this evening’s announcement that the Standards in Public Office Commission, having considered the matter, has found that there are no grounds for an investigation.

“Taken together with the Quigley inquiry, all matters relating to this issue have been comprehensively examined by independent persons.

“I look forward to continuing to work hard in my role as Minister for Transport and to delivering on the many challenging and exciting policy initiatives under my responsibility.”

Ms Leech first worked for Mr Cullen when he was Minister for State at the Office of Public Works.

The Waterford PR consultant again secured a contract as external public relations consultant on a single tender basis when Mr Cullen became environment minister in 2002.

Ms Leech held on to the post when it was opened up to competing bids.

Dermot Quigley, former Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, also probed the awarding of contracts to Ms Leech. No evidence of any impropriety was found.

Mr Cullen claimed that Mr Quigley’s 45-page report exonerated him.

But the Quigley report raised a number of concerns including how the contracts were advertised and the monitoring of the work. It concluded that this could have given rise to a perception of impropriety.

The Government last week said it had ended its working relationship with Ms Leech who has been paid more than €300,000 for her work.