Why Callely must be compelled to repay

THE findings that the nomadic senator Ivor Callely misrepresented his normal place of residence for the purpose of claiming allowances must not be concluded without him being obliged, in law, promptly to repay these allowances in full and with interest.

A personal undertaking to repay – given on June 25 – is not sufficient in the light of the Seanad committee’s findings.

The committee declared this transgression to be of a grave and serious nature and inconsistent with the maintenance of confidence in an officer of the state performing the function of the office.