Eamon Ryan calls for formal investigations into Robert Troy's errors in declarations

Eamon Ryan has said the failure of Robert Troy to declare property interests "undermines confidence in the political system" and must be fully investigated immediately. Picture: Collins

The Green Party leader has called for two formal investigations into the errors in declarations made by Fianna Fáil junior minister Robert Troy.

Eamon Ryan has said the failure of his Government colleague to declare property interests "undermines confidence in the political system" and must be fully investigated immediately.

It comes as the co-leader of the Social Democrats said Mr Troy's position is becoming "increasingly untenable".

On Tuesday, Mr Troy revealed he has a total of 11 properties, including nine rentals — five of which are under the Housing Assistance Payment scheme.

Mr Ryan said the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) should now launch a full commission of investigation, but said the matter should also be examined by an Oireachtas Committee before the Dáil returns next month.

"It's very disappointing. He admitted his errors, significant errors in the declaration and registration of property interests and that does undermine confidence in the political system.

"Under our Ethics Act, there's very clear procedures in terms of how the Standards in Public Office (SIPO) can carry out a commission of investigation, I think they should. I think included in that we need clarity on what exactly are the rules around rental contracts, as to how they need to be declared, that is not clear at this present moment in time, that has come out with this whole issue."

Mr Ryan said he had spoken to Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl on the issue.

"I believe it would be possible for the likes of the Oireachtas Committee on Procedures, Privileges and Oversight to have a full investigation.

"Under the ethics guidelines, office holders are accountable to the Oireachtas. I think it would be appropriate if that was done before the return of the Dáil and I think any questions the Opposition or indeed members of Government might have could be asked there and could be dealt with in the appropriate manner," he told RTÉ's News at One.

Meanwhile, opposition parties say questions still remain regarding Mr Troy's failure to fully declare details of his property interests on the Oireachtas register.

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall said the Taoiseach needed to act after what she describes as a litany of errors.

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall says the Taoiseach needs to act after what she describes as a litany of errors. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

"I believe that his position is becoming increasingly untenable. I believe it should be dealt with by the Taoiseach," she said.

"This raises questions about the judgement of the Taoiseach and I think it is up to the Taoiseach now to state whether he believes this is an acceptable standard."

Labour party leader Ivana Bacik said Mr Troy still had questions to answer.

Mr Troy had shown a “careless disregard” for the mechanisms in place for TDs and senators and must clarify matters still outstanding, she told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

When intervening in a debate, a TD must disclose if there is a conflict of interest, as there had been for Mr Troy when he spoke in the Dáil about the Rental Assistance Scheme of which he was a beneficiary in two of his rental properties, Ms Bacik said.

There appeared to be “a catalogue of omissions” on his part and she wanted to know how much of this was “careless”, particularly in relation to the property he bought and sold in one year and did not disclose.

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Ms Bacik also wanted more information on fire certification on the properties owned by Mr Troy and his failure to register a property with the Residential Tenancies Board.

At a time when there were concerns about An Bord Pleanála and a housing crisis, the controversy about Mr Troy was a distraction for the Government.

There was a broader issue than Mr Troy’s “laxity” and not being “duly diligent”. If he had been careless then that called into question his competency, she added.

When asked about the number of TDs and senators who are landlords, Ms Bacik said that should not be an issue, they were entitled to do that. She said the difficulty arose when any of them failed to comply with the mechanisms in place to ensure high standards in public office.