Ethics watchdog opens hearing into Cork TD Ken O'Flynn's comments in 2021 radio interview

Investigation triggered following a complaint about comments Mr O’Flynn made on Cork’s RedFM in relation to the Spring Lane halting site at Ballyvolane when he was a city councillor

The Standards in Public Office Commission will determine whether a full investigation into Mr O’Flynn’s conduct will follow. Picture: Larry Cummins

The public ethics watchdog has opened a hearing into radio interview comments and social media posts relating to the Traveller community made by Cork North Central Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn when he was a city councillor.

The Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) heard an outline of the allegations against him on Monday morning, and heard a preliminary application from Mr O’Flynn’s legal team, as it seeks to determine if the comments and posts contravene the Local Government Act 2001, and various sections of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, and therefore warrants a full investigation.