Seanad committee to consider Callely response today

The Seanad committee investigating Senator Ivor Callely's expenses claims will meet again today. It will also discuss expenses queries in relation to three other senators.

It is believed that Senator Callely is seeking two more weeks to prepare his response.

The committee will meet at 2pm today, after allegations that Mr Callely submitted an expenses claim to the Oireachtas Commission for almost €3,000 for four different mobile phones and car kits in November 2007.

Reports today also suggest gardaí have decided to defer their own investigation into Senator Callely's expenses, pending the findings of the Seanad committee.

Meanwhile, Ivor Callely could be facing a third Seanad investigation over his alleged failure to declare an interest in a number of properties.