Monday, September 8, 2014
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The Saturdays Exclusive interview p17
Hogan in fresh storm over Irish Water fees
ex-minister accused of trying to hide his role Former environment minister Phil Hogan has been accused of ‘washing his hands clean’ over his role in the controversial €86million spent by Irish Water on consultancy fees. Despite denying any knowledge of the costs when questioned earlier in the year, it now appears that not only was he presented with a detailed breakdown of where the money was going but that he gave his approval for it to be spent. Asked directly at the time about the millions, mr Hogan said that he had not been told about specifics – telling journalists that he had ‘no plans to micromanage Irish Water’ and, referring to what contracts were being given out, that ‘it was not my
by davId kearns business but a matter entirely for Irish Water’. But a leaked internal document presented to rTe’s This Week programme shows that despite the denials back in January, the former minister was given and signed off on a plan that included
Tough week: Phil Hogan
provision for €32million spending on IT, €12million on customer billing and registration, €13million on economic advice and €8million on support services. The document did not feature the word ‘consultancy’ but, according to Irish Water director John Tierney, there was an understanding between Irish Water and the Government that the company would need to hire consultants. The revelations come after a tough week for mr Hogan, who has faced criticism following news that he has been tipped for the Agriculture portfolio in the european Commission. opposition parties are accusing the Government of trying to hide mr Hogan’s involvement in approving the controversial consultancy fees.
rIvaLs to FIgHt It out agaIn ichie Butler and Tipperary Tipper y fan f Tomás Barrett square up outside Kilkennyy ffan Richie Croke Park yesterday after their teams played out a draw in the All-Ireland Hurling Final. The sides will meet again on September 27 Picture: inPho
Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it