Connolly must publish details of Syria trip – Burke

Deputy Catherine Connolly must publish the full funding details of her trip to Syria, a Fine Gael Minister has said.

Minister Peter Burke said there are serious questions surrounding Deputy Connolly’s Syrian trip in 2018 after she misled the public on who paid for it.

“Deputy Connolly owes the public an explanation on all funding of her trip to Syria. She has repeatedly given the impression to the public that the costs came out of her own pocket.

“On July 16^th last, at her announcement to seek the Presidential nomination she was asked why she travelled to Syria and who funded that trip. Standing outside Leinster House she said: ‘I funded that trip’.

“She was also asked about the cost of the trip on Newstalk Breakfast on the 25^th of September. She said: ‘Whatever the flight was at the time and the hotels’. On both occasions she made no reference to the fact she used almost €3,700 from a taxpayer funded allowance for the trip.

“Deputy Connolly says the funding was used to cover ‘standard travel and subsistence. No personal benefit accrued’.

“This is public money, and the public are owed an explanation. It was only when it was revealed this week by the Irish Times that she admitted to using the taxpayer funded allowance for the trip.

“A full breakdown must be provided so there is complete transparency around this issue.

“Deputy Connolly insists her comments weren’t misleading and that she has no difficulty with scrutiny, but her failure to provide clear answers shows a reluctance to be fully transparent with the public.

“I also note that within days of returning from their trip, one of her fellow travellers to Syria, Clare Daly asked the Enterprise Minister how we can establish trade links with Assads authoritarian regime.

“This is extremely concerning; serious questions must be asked about what was paid for by taxpayers regarding this trip to Syria. We need a full clear breakdown. It should be all published.

“The public deserve a President that is honest and can take accountability.

“She must release the full details of this trip. The public deserve total clarity on how this money was used,” concluded Minister Burke.