Flannery loses Leinster House access

Former Fine Gael strategist Frank Flannery has lost his full-time access pass to Leinster House following controversy over his lobbying of the Government for Rehab.

Mr Flannery held a Fine Gael-issued pass which gave him access to the Dáil, but the party now says that as far as it “is concerned, a pass is no longer available” to him.

Sources said “a conversation was had” around the issue of Mr Flannery’s pass earlier this week as he prepared to step down from several positions in the party.

Mr Flannery resigned earlier this week as a director of Rehab, as well as a Fine Gael trustee, director of organisation and director of elections for the upcoming local campaign.

Not compelled
While he is still a member of Fine Gael, he is no longer involved as a senior strategist, as he was under Taoiseach Enda Kenny's leadership.

However, it was stressed that Mr Flannery, who did not return calls last night, was not pushed into giving up his pass.

“As far as Fine Gael is concerned, a pass is no longer available to Mr Flannery,” said a party spokeswoman.

“Mr Flannery has been in possession of a Fine Gael-approved pass for some time. That pass is no longer available to him.”

Access to Leinster House is restricted to people in possession of valid permits and visitors must be signed in by TDs or Senators.

Most passes are given to people who work full time in the Leinster House complex, such as political staff, those who work for the Oireachtas and others, such as journalists.

Political parties have to nominate those who can receive their allocated passes.

Substantial payments
Some lobbyists access Leinster House through a visitor's

permit provided to them.

An Oireachtas spokeswoman said: “People who work in Leinster House are issued with passes. This includes staff, nominated by party headquarters, who frequently visit the Houses [of the Oireachtas]. We do not comment on the issue or lack of issue of passes to any individual.”

It was reported at the weekend that Mr Flannery was paid thousands by Rehab to lobby the Government, with the Departments of Education, Social Protection and Justice targeted.

Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn this week confirmed he was approached by Mr Flannery over State funding issues which were of concern to the charity. Mr Quinn said he never had formal meetings with Mr Flannery about Rehab issues, but would see him around Leinster House and Government Buildings before weekly Cabinet meetings.