Robert Troy’s position is becoming “increasingly untenable” and it is past time for the Taoiseach to step in, according to the Social Democrats.

The junior minister has again apologised over his failure to fully declare his property interests in the Dáil register.

He admitted he has interests in 11 properties around the country – nine of which are rented out.

One of the properties is sub-let into three units and another is divided into four.

Meanwhile, reports this morning suggest one of his properties does not have a fire safety certificate and is under investigation for alleged unauthorised development.

Minister Troy has said he is happy to address the Dáil on the revelations when it returns from its summer recess.

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall said the issue can’t wait until politicians return.

“There has been a litany of errors and failures to comply with various regulations and to comply with declarations required of a public representative,” she said.

“So, the question is should there be consequences for that or is it OK for somebody to come out put their hands up and say Me Culpa, I’m embarrassed and then everybody forgets about it.

“I don’t think that’s acceptable.”

Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall, 16-01-2020. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews

She noted that both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have already offered Minster Troy their support – but said a lot of new information has come to light in the days since.

“I believe that his position is becoming increasingly untenable,” she said. “I believe it should be dealt with by the Taoiseach.

“This raises questions about the judgement of the Taoiseach now to state whether he believes that this is an acceptable standard by which a minister of state should conduct himself.”

“I absolutely don’t think it is an acceptable standard.”

"Huge distraction"

Deputy Shortall said the Government must be aware that this is not an issue that will simply go away.

“Each day brings new questions, so the Taoiseach really needs to step in,” she said.

“It is a huge distraction at a very critical time in relation to the build-up to the Budget, huge problems in relation to the cost of living, energy prices and everything else.

“The Cabinet needs to be concentrating on those issues and there are huge distractions now as a result of Robert Troy’s litany of mistakes.”

SIPO

The Social Democrats co-leader said the controversy also raises serious concerns about the powers afforded to SIPO (Standards in Public Office Commission).

“It’s supposed to be the watchdog, but it is a watchdog with very few teeth,” she said.

She said the watchdog has been asking for new powers for two decades and been ignored by consecutive governments.

“This again, is an issue the Taoiseach needs to address urgently,” she said.

“There have been pleas over the last 19 years for additional powers for the watchdog and yet successive governments have failed to do that. That is probably the most important issue now.”

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