Gardaí were preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions after last night releasing former Cork Fianna Fáil TD Ned O’Keeffe who was questioned over alleged fraudulent claiming of mobile phone expenses while a member of Dáil Éireann.
Mr O’Keeffe, who retired from the Dáil last year after representing Cork East for 29 years, was arrested at his home at Ballylough near Mitchelstown in north Cork and taken to Cobh Garda station for questioning about expense claims totalling about €2,000.
Mr O’Keeffe was arrested at 10.30am yesterday under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He was questioned on suspicion of tendering a false instrument, namely an invoice to claim mobile phone expenses from the Oireachtas.
He was released from custody at 10.30pm and left the Garda station with his son Kevin a solicitor. Mr OKeeffe didn’t comment but his son said “obviously the dramatic events of the day have taken Mr O’Keeffe by surprise.
“However during the course of the day he cooperated fully with the gardaí and assisted them in their inquiries and we have nothing further to add at this time”.
Meanwhile, gardaí searched Mr O’Keeffe’s home at Ballylough, and it is understood that they seized documents and records relating to Mr O’Keeffe’s expenses claims while serving as a TD.
It is understood gardaí obtained warrants to arrest Mr O’Keeffe and search his home at Midleton District Court on Thursday when they swore evidence before Judge Brian Sheridan.
A source close to Mr O’Keeffe, said he was surprised by the arrest but was said to be in good form as he was taken to Cobh where he was later visited by his son Kieran. An outspoken member of Fianna Fáil, Mr O’Keeffe was first elected to the Dáil in 1982 and held his seat until retiring in 2011.
The investigation follows a complaint by the Irish Daily Mail and it is understood the newspaper submitted documentation to the Garda.
