THE DUP's Sammy Wilson has called for a probe into payments made to all Sinn Féin councillors following controversy over wages being paid directly into a party bank account.
The Irish News yesterday revealed that nine Sinn Féin members of Derry and Strabane council have stopped having their allowances paid into the same account following criticism of the practice.
They included Colin Kelly who claimed a council carer's allowance for childcare that was also paid into the group account.
Sinn Féin is also believed to have agreed to pay back almost £19,000 in unemployment benefits claimed by Mr Kelly.
He was acquitted of benefit fraud charges for claiming jobseeker's allowance while receiving a councillor wage after a court heard his salary was paid straight to Sinn Féin.
The judge said Sinn Féin should consider repaying the benefits.
DUP East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson called yesterday for all Sinn Féin councillors' allowance payments to be investigated.
He added: "Whilst DoE (Department of Environment) also alerted the Audit Office to the payment of allowances into a central account it would be helpful if the minister could provide an update on whether he believes the practice is still ongoing in any council within Northern Ireland."
Sinn Féin has refused to comment on the nature of the arrangement with the Department for Social Development (DSD) to recover the outstanding benefits.
A spokesman said: "DSD are satisfied with the arrangements in place."
