Westmeath’s politicians aren’t shy when it comes to accepting junkets abroad. In fact four Longford/Westmeath public representatives were among those who participated in overseas trips since November 2007.
Mullingar Senator Camillus Flynn (Fianna Fail ) and Fine Gael's James Bannon went to Vancouver in Canada. The cost of this trip was €13,931.31 which included the purchase of two other tickets which were not used. The men also went on a trip to Belfast with five other public representatives at a cost of €3,867.71.
Meanwhile, Labour Deputy Willie Penrose travelled to Austria with five other parliamentarians at a cost of €4,556.92. Deputy Peter Kelly (Fine Gael ) travelled to Australia/New Zealand with two other Deputies at a cost of €14,863.57. The trips to five continents over a six month period cost over €271,000. Committee chairmen, TD's, and Senators have taken 63 trips since November 2007.
