VEC head dismissed over expenses

THE Minister for Education has dismissed the head of Co Longford Vocational Education Committee. An official report criticised nine years of daily expenses paid to him for going to work.

Mr Sean Ryan was removed from his post as acting chief executive officer of the VEC last Friday, a spokesman for the Department of Education confirmed last night. He now returns to his former post as principal of Ballymahon Vocational School.

Mr Ryan was paid food and travel expenses for his journey to and from work from 196 to last year, according to a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr John Purcell. This was despite the Department's refusal to sanction them.

The VEC agreed to pay expenses for Mr Ryan's 28-mile round-trip from Ballymahon to the VEC offices in Longford in 1986. One estimate has put these expenses at £30,000.

Acting on Mr Purcell's report, the Department investigated and initiated a dismissal procedure.

The Department spokesman said it had sought recovery of the money, but it was up to the VEC to establish the exact sum.

The former CEO could not be reached for comment last night. However, it is understood he has contested the report's findings and the Minister's action in removing him.

Mr Ryan has maintained that since he was appointed in an acting capacity, it was appropriate for the VEC to cover the additional expenses in taking up the new position in Longford. The VEC was his legal employer and had properly sanctioned the arrangement, he argued.

Mr Ryan was appointed in May 1986. When the Department's approval for the arrangement reached with the VEC over travel expenses was sought, this was refused. The decision was appealed to the Minister for Education, but was again rejected.

The Dail Committee on Public Accounts was to question Mr Ryan on the report last month but this was postponed until the Department had investigated.

Mr Purcell's report also criticised the unauthorised expenditure by the VEC of almost £500,000 on two sports halls and a playing pitch. One hall is not being used by the public because no toilets, showers or changing rooms were provided. A solar heating system was installed, but this turned out to be defective.