Overview

• The spending was claimed under the Parliamentary Activities Allowance’s “Research” heading and declared in her 2018 SIPO return.
• Her team says the money covered standard travel and subsistence for parliamentary research and that no personal benefit accrued.
• Connolly traveled as part of a delegation that included Clare Daly, Mick Wallace and Maureen O’Sullivan, with visits including the Yarmouk Palestinian Camp near Damascus.
• She has said it was a mistake to meet Fares Al-Shehab during the trip and has repeatedly condemned Bashar al-Assad.
• In July she said she “funded that trip,” a statement that contrasts with records showing €3,691 came from her parliamentary allowance, as the issue draws fresh attention during the presidential campaign.