Donegal mayoral expenses case referred to DPP

A case involving a former Donegal Mayor who claimed expenses from two state agencies for travel on the same day has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Standards in Public Office Commission found that Dessie Larkin broke ethics legislation by claiming expenses from the local authority and from the regional assembly for travel and subsistence.

Mr Larkin was also found to have submitted claims to Donegal County Council for attendance at two conferences in Co Roscommon and Co Mayo without taking the shortest route.

SIPO has also recommended a reform of expenses claim forms and ethics undertakings by councillors.