Audit of Co Kildare based charity reveals list of foreign trips, designer clothes and eating out

An audit of  the charity Console with its headquarters in Celbridge, Co Kildare,  has found that half a million euros was spent on foreign trips, designer clothes, eating out and other expenses between 2012 and 2014 – while another half a million was spent on salaries and cars for Paul Kelly and his wife Patricia Kelly.

Paul, Patricia and their son Tim Kelly used eleven credit cards over the three year period.

That’s according to a draft copy of the HSE audit into the finances and governance of Console, which RTÉ Investigates has seen extracts of.

In 2002, after Mr Kelly lost his young sister Sharon to suicide, he established a suicide support helpline from his home in Celbridge.

From 2012 to 2014 Paul Kelly and his wife Patricia Kelly received significant payments and benefits from Console.

Paul Kelly received Consultancy payments of €218,586, plus a 2009 Mercedes CLS costing €30,600 (fully expensed) and four credit cards.

Patricia Kelly received salary payments €67,149, plus a 2010 Audi Q5 costing €57,000 (fully expensed) and four credit cards.

While a son was paid £600 sterling (around €723) a week tax free by the charity.