Paschal Donohoe controversy needs to be put in perspective says Justice Minister

The Justice Minister says the controversy surrounding Minister Paschal Donohoe needs to be put in perspective.

The Public Expenditure Minister admitted he failed to declare a corporate donation given to him during the 2020 general election campaign – which is a breach of electoral rules.

Yesterday he also admitted that the value of vans used to put up election posters exceeded the €200 limit on donations from corporations.

Despite continued pressure from the opposition, Minister Simon Harris has defended his party colleague.

“When it transpires that some of these posters were paired up and a cost was incurred, Paschal then moved to rectify the situation.

“He has done that in relation to 2016 and do that in relation to 2020. And he has also apologised to the Dáíl for the oversight. So there does need to be that degree of perspective and we shouldn’t now move into to kind of guess or second guess SIPO’s position in relation this.”