Shatter: Media reports on expenses claim are ‘misleading’

Fine Gael TD Alan Shatter has spoken of his deep upset at what he describes as "a misleading and untruthful impression" created by media reports about an expenses claim for photographs while he was minister for justice and defence.

The Dublin South TD said the distorted version of the facts purveyed by the mainstream media, with the exception of The Irish Times, had fuelled what he called a predictable dose of anti-Semitic comment across social media.

“I am pretty tough and have had to live with a number of untrue stories during my time as minister but the nature of this one has caused me a great deal of upset because of its obvious connotations,” Mr Shatter said yesterday.

Following a Freedom of Information request from the Irish Daily Star, it was widely reported yesterday that Mr Shatter had claimed €12 in expenses for his passport photos while serving as a minister.

Speaking to The Irish Times yesterday Mr Shatter said that for an official visit as minister for defence to Lebanon, Jordan and Israel in November 2013, he was required to get photographs taken for a Lebanese visa as well as inoculations.

“I was asked to have photos taken and told to furnish receipts. My recollection is that my private secretary had to chase after me to get them,” said the TD.

He added that while in office he had never claimed the standard ministerial allowance available for days abroad.

“I had a lot of days abroad but I took a personal view that in the light of the State’s finances and my own income I could afford to do without such expenses. “That is why it is particularly ironic and deeply upsetting to have this story reported in a particular way.”

Disappointment

The TD expressed his disappointment other media outlets, including major national broadcasters, had carried the story without attempting to check its accuracy.

“A very misleading impression was created and this has the capacity to do substantive reputational damage.”

Mr Shatter said he had no choice but to ask his solicitors to take appropriate action.