Hundreds of complaints against the former Minister Michael Lowry are to be investigated by the Standards in Public Office Commission. 

The Committee on Members Interests of the Dáil say they have looked at the complaints about the Independent TD and non-disclosure of land interests in the UK. 

Today the Dáil Committee met to consider complaints against Mr. Lowry that he had breached ethics in public office legislation. 

Claims lands are worthless

The complaints number 380 in total and referred to him not disclosing his interest in lands in the UK. 

Under ethics legislation he is bound by law to declare any interest worth €13,000 or more. 

He has in recent weeks claimed the lands are completely valueless. 

The Committee on Members Interests says the Standards in Public Office Commission is best placed to conduct an inquiry as it has the powers and facilities to do so. 

It will now forward the 380 complaints received to the Commission.

Thomas Pringle is Chairperson of the Members Interests Committee.

Speaking after the meeting he said " The Committee is of the opinion that the Commission is better placed to conduct an investigation into these allegations by virtue of the fact that the legislation provides for an Inquiry Officer to assist the Commission in its work".

"No such preliminary investigation function, or relevant support mechanism by way of Inquiry Officer or otherwise, is available to the Committee.  For that reason, the Committee is furnishing the complaints to the Commission" he added.