Public Accounts Committee to examine cost of presidency despite integrity fears

The cost of Michael D Higgins’ presidential term is set to be examined by an Oireachtas committee next week despite fears that the investigation will damage the integrity of the presidential election.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) agreed to the emergency meeting by a three-to-one majority yesterday morning, putting the group on a collision course with the Government and Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin.