Sipo launching further investigation into former junior minister Robert Troy
File Boal/rollingnews Robert Troy Picture: Sam Ie
The Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) is launching a further investigation into the business and property dealings of former junior minister Robert Troy.
The investigation focuses on the Fianna Fáil TD’s failure to declare properties between 2020 and 2022, under section 23 of the Ethics in Public Office Act.
Following revelations in The Ditch, Mr Troy subsequently corrected the Dáil interests register, before he resigned as a junior minister in August 2022.
Sipo also found that there was no prima facie evidence to support suggestions that there was a conflict of interest between Mr Troy’s public statements around funding for the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) during his time as a junior minister.
This came to the fore due to Mr Troy having two RAS contracts with Westmeath County Council.
In a statement, Mr Troy confirmed that he is subject to a further investigation. He also welcomed the findings that there was no conflict of interest in his statements.
He reiterated that he previously acknowledged that his failure to declare property was based on a “flawed interpretation of the legislation pertaining”.
“I look forward to cooperating fully and am hopeful that the Commission will conclude its investigation in a timely manner. I won’t be making any further comment,” Mr Troy said.
One of the complainants who referred the case to Sipo, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, confirmed that he had not been informed about the new investigation being launched.
In a statement, Sipo said that it is unable to comment on the case due to it’s role as an “impartial oversight body”, adding that it must be fair to all parties involved.
It confirmed that a date would be set for an investigation hearing in the future.