Ethics watchdog unhappy with Collins inquiry delays

The Standards in Public Office Commission has expressed concern at the length of time it is taking to resolve issues surrounding the tax affairs of Fianna Fáil TD Michael Collins.

In its annual report for 2005, the political ethics watchdog says it is unhappy with the length of time it is taking the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to made a decision in the case.

Mr Collins made a €130,000 settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in 2003 in connection with a bogus non-resident bank account.

The commission's own investigation into the Limerick West TD has been put on hold pending the outcome of the DPP's inquiry.

Elsewhere in today's report, the body also details complaints made against Fianna Fáil TD Ivor Callely and Junior Minister Tom Parlon.

The complaint against Mr Callely was made after he included his photograph in an advertisement informing people about traffic arrangements in the pre-Christmas period.

The commission says this wasn't necessarily inappropriate, but has asked that guidelines be drawn up to inform office-holders about the correct use of public resources in the context of a general election.

The complaint against Mr Parlon, meanwhile, related to his endorsement of an animal feed.

The commission says it decided not to investigate the matter under ethics legislation, but did warn the PD politician that serving office-holders should not be directly associated with the endorsement of a commercial product.