Causeway Coast And Glens Borough Council has called a special meeting next Monday with their 40 elected representatives ( 24th September 2018 ) to discuss the “Business and Engagement Dinner” which was held at the Tullyglass Hotel in September 2017. Environment Secretary Michael Gove was the guest speaker.
It was revealed last week by the BBC that Causeway Coast And Glens Borough Council used ratepayers’ money to sponsor a table at a dinner hosted by MP Ian Paisley. Causeway Coast and Glens council said the payment was within its guidelines.
In a statement to the BBC, the council said: “Council agreed to attend the event and invite guests who would benefit from both the subject matter and the potential networking opportunities.
“Those guests included representatives of our hospitality, food distribution and production, agriculture and leisure industries with an emphasis on the rural aspects of the borough.”
The BBC went onto say that the Northern Ireland Auditor’s office is looking into the payment as part of a wider audit of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, while the Electoral Commission has said it is aware of the payment made by the council, but didn’t offer further comment because its investigation is ongoing
