How finance boss ran up bill for thousands with Spain trips

IT TOOK five-and-a-half years (from October 2008 to April 2014) for Our Lady’s Hospice to secure title and sell the Spanish property. For two years – May 2011 to October 2013 – there was ‘little or no progress’, according to the HSE audit. As hospice head of finance, Denis Maguire was responsible for dealing with the Costa Del Sol home. He travelled to Spain on six occasions between 2009 and 2013, five times with his wife. His expenses claims are detailed here:

TRIP ONE

JUNE 2009 PURPOSE: Meet Spanish solicitor

COST: €973 to cover 50% of flights, accommodation and airport parking and 100% of taxi.

TRIP TWO

DECEMBER 14-16, 2009 PURPOSE: Meet Spanish solicitor.

COST: €637 to cover 50% of flights, 100% of accommodation, taxi and airport parking. Plus mileage to Dublin Airport €92.38. Auditors say they would expect 50% of the hotel bill to be reclaimed.

TRIP THREE

(ALONE) APRIL 30-MAY 9, 2010 PURPOSE: ‘Visit to Spanish solicitor’

COST: €436 to cover 100% of flights and car hire. No accommodation cost. Car hire costs claimed prior to trip taking place.

TRIP FOUR

SEPTEMBER 1-5, 2011 PURPOSE: AGM of community owners.

COST: €771 to cover 50% of flights, 100% of hotel, car hire and car insurance. Auditors noted that they would have expected 50% of the hotel bill to be reclaimed.

TRIP FIVE

SEPTEMBER 5-9, 2012 PURPOSE: AGM of community owners.

COST: €398 to cover 50% of flights, 100% of car hire and car insurance. No accommodation claimed.

TRIP SIX

SEPTEMBER 4-9, 2013 PURPOSE: AGM of community owners.

COST: €313 to cover 50% of flights, car parking and car hire. No accommodation claimed.