We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Updated at 8.49pm
FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the Central Remedial Clinic Brian Conlan has agreed to appear before the Public Accounts Committee, the panel’s chairman has confirmed.
The committee had been planning to try and compel the former CEO of the Clontarf clinic to attend a hearing. However, committee chair John McGuinness told TheJournal.ie this evening that Conlan had agreed to appear, after it was decided “one last attempt” would be made to contact him.
It’s expected his appearance will be scheduled for January.
Conlan resigned from his role on Monday, following the controversy over fundraising money being used to pay salary top-ups of senior staff. Although he himself did not receive any salary top-ups, Conlan’s predecessor Paul Kiely got a top-up of €135,000 on top of a basic salary of €116,000. Acting CEO Jim Nugent told the PAC yesterday that the organisation was and still is ‘contractually bound’ to pay certain levels of pay to some staff.
The CRC became embroiled in the ongoing top-ups scandal when it was revealed by independent TD Shane Ross that the clinic had access to funds of the registered charity ‘Friends and Supporters of the Central Remedial Clinic’.
The CRC subsequently admitted that cash from the Friends and Supporters group had been “used to pay any additional salary amounts over the Department of Health’s consolidated pay scale”.
Some members of the Public Accounts Committee have called for the resignations of the clinic’s board members —but McGuinness said earlier today that they should remain in their roles until an investigation into pay practices is complete. He said a “vacuum” would be created if the directors stepped aside immediately.
Asked about the issue at an event today, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that yesterday’s five hour engagement with the CRC board had left “nobody in any doubt [about] what should be done”.
Originally posted at 6.30pm
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Surely it should be a judge he will have to appear in front of, not a feckin Dáil committee….
Of course he should. The problem is that his immorality is catered for by the system he is a part of . Until that system is changed people will continue getting away with the kind of thing he has done. I am sure that we will hear the usual ‘It may be immoral but I didn’t actually break the law’. And that will be that. Unfortunately
Ya let’s have a tribunal. That’s always worked before
Golden Arms. What’s wrong with you? It seems you’re thinking that Ireland’s run like other countries.
should be appearing in front a firing squad.
Agree with you Golden Arms but these are ‘the big people’ and are not bound by the laws that govern the rest of us. They join the ranks of all the others who have brought Ireland to its knees; bankers, politicians, wealthy developers etc etc. They have left us financially and morally bankrupt but no sign of remorse from them. White collar crime still pays.
True …different strokes …,for different folks ..
This is a new low even by Irish standards.
Taking charity from the sick .
No matter what excuse or reason they give ,they are and always will be the biggest f%&kers in Ireland….
Well done to that man Shane Ross, and if he needs some help Mary Lou is the woman nothing gets past them.
Wouldn’t get too excited about Shane. He was a great supporter of “Fingers” Fingleton when every other financial journalist as asking questions about Irish Nationwide.
Dragged kicking and screaming it is then, this man should be jailed .
Why? Because you want him to? Did you read the article?
Grow up. Your self righteous indignation is ugly in the extreme.
K alan calm down………my opinion no need for that mouthfull!!!!!!!!
Interesting that your opinion involves imprisoning a man who has done nothing wrong and broken no laws. I’m glad I don’t live in whatever country you seem to think we should live in.
Ahhh do u not listen to the news,he is part of a golden circle that took charity money from the most vulnerable people in society ,and we dont know yet if he has broke any laws yit,moraly hes a monster.
We don’t know if he broke any laws yet you’d have him in jail.
Argument over.
Brian conlon “is that u?????? Ahhh it makes perfect sence now!
Interesting times. Either way, appearing voluntarily or appearing under duress, this person will probably be a hostile witness/commentator. Should make for interesting viewing once Senator Shane gets started on him. However both he and his predecessor have left many in no doubt on their distinct lack of humanity and humility.
These guys behaved worse than the junkies on the street mugging people. A street junkie wouldn’t even take money from an invalid or handicapped person. Of course these guys are junkies and are addicted to money. They would do anything for their fix. All Bertie’s boys — not surprising. FG have appointed more people to boards than the previous gang so not much change there.
Apparently the saying “charity begins at home” takes on quite a different meaning in Ireland when it comes to some CEOs of charities!
Shamed into appearing. He should be ashamed of himself.
I expect he’ll be claiming mileage and expenses for attending.
I don’t understand why people are attacking Conlon. He was only in the job 5 months, resigned, repaid whatever portion was paid from charitable donations.
And what kind of contracts are these? In the private sector you sign a contract detailing your pay and conditions. The contract can be terminated by 30 days notice on either side. If a downturn comes the company can ask you to sign a new contract. If you agree, you keep your job. If not you have 30 days.
Were these people even ASKED to agree new terms and conditions?
Conlon was part of the board before he was handed the top mans job. Of course he’s up to his neck in it.
Ah. Good point. Fry him
It is up to the government and judges to create the process that these immoral bastards can be held to account and jailed for sucking the last bit of life out of our already bankrupt country. They have already killed our economy and now paralyse our society with venomous greed. Chance the laws in favour of the people and to save our country from these vile SCU M. (rant over, sorry)
Oh cop on FFS. Puerile, juvenile ranting at its worst.
In a properly run society no ill person should have to depend on charitable organisations to provide the care they need whether long or short term the state should provide that via the massive taxes we pay to provide such services
Jail the lot of em!!!
I world say just wow!!!!! Amazing charity work! I thought at beginning that only post sovietic countries could be corrupt. But no.apparently British post-also
This makes me so angry..What they’ve done is beyond despicable…
Micheal Martin might want to have a pre-match chat before hand. Maybe give Conlon a back rub as well.
WTF Enda? Yesterday’s hearing left nobody in any doubt as to what needs to be done!? Stop talking in riddles and just come out and say what you mean. It’s called Leadership Enda, look it up FFS.
If he hadn’t refused to attend PAC in the first place, the audience would have been half what it will be now. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.
Don’t forget the IRC .. and their financial wiz.
135 grand on top of 116 grand shame on you … You greedy ….,.d
Conlon seems to be the only one didn’t seem to have his hand massively in the cookie jar or is that charity bucket,I don’t get why he was so concerned about turning up to the pac,the biggest villain in this piece is by far Kiely what he did and monies he sanctioned to pay himself is truly outrageous.
It’s Fraud in any Man’s language…
Good idea must get the frying pan out and put on a few rashers
This could be a stage show.
have your say