Committee to discuss Callely allegations

A group of Senators will meet later to decide whether they should investigate the latest allegations surrounding expenses claimed by Senator Ivor Callely.

In a statement published at the weekend, the embattled Senator said he submitted receipts for mobile phone expenses "in good faith" and "in the belief they were correct".

The Seanad Members' Interests Committee will meet in private this afternoon to decide how to proceed with a complaint made about Senator Callely by Green Party TD Paul Gogarty.

The complaint centres on accusations that he used forged receipts from a firm that had ceased trading, to claim almost €3,000 in expenses.

It is widely expected that the committee - which has already suspended the embattled Senator for claiming over €80,000 worth of travel expenses inappropriately - will decide to fully investigate the latest controversy.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the weekend said he believed Senator Callely's statement "raises more questions than answers".