Callely considers appeal against Seanad committee judgement

Senator Ivor Callely is today considering an appeal after strenuously rejecting the findings of the investigation into his expenses.

The Dublin-based Senator, under fire for claiming expenses from a West Cork address, is to be suspended from the Seanad for 20 sitting days, which will run to almost seven weeks.

In a short sitting of the Seanad last night, Green Senator Dan Boyle announced the findings of the Seanad Committee on Members' Interests.

The committee found he intentionally misrepresented his normal place of residence in claiming €80,000 in expenses by using the West Cork address.

Citing it as 'grave and serious', the Committee does not have power to get the money back, though noted his offer last month to do so if found to have done wrong.

Senator Callely is now looking into what options are open to him to appeal, including seeking legal advice, adding that he has made no decision about paying back the money.