Callely to hear outcome of High Court case against expenses committee

Ivor Callely will find out today if he has won his High Court case against the Seanad Committee who investigated his expenses claims.

The former Fianna Fáil Senator is looking to overturn a finding that he misrepresented his "normal place of residence" to claim €80,000 in expenses.

Ivor Callely's lawyers say he has been wrongly branded "a thief" and that this has reduced his political capital to the point of bankruptcy.

They argue the Senator, who has now returned from suspension, filed his expenses claims in accordance with the established rules and that the Seanad Committee itself recognises he did nothing dishonest.

In reply, lawyers for the Committee say that its seven members were entitled to make a political and ethical finding against Mr Callely.

They deny accusations of bias and question the court’s jurisdiction to interfere with Oireachtas decisions.

Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill is due to give his ruling on the Senator’s case today.