Menu
11/02/2010
TDs To Clock In For Expenses
New proposals for TD expenses may see politicians clocking in at the Daíl in order to claim their travel expenses it has emerged.
Under the proposals put forward today, TDs will have to verify their attendance for 80% of sitting days, which works out at 120 days for a TD each year to qualify for a full allowance, which could involve the introduction of swipe cards or electronic fobs.
The current raft of allowances payable to members of the Oireachtas each year, such as mileage, overnight accommodation, office and constituency expenses, will be replaced by a single parliamentary allowance made up of just two payments: one for travel and accommodation and another called the "public representative allowance".
The expenses will be on top of their basic pay, which starts at €92,672 for new TDs.
The reforms are aimed at "increasing the transparency of the allowances system", the Department of Finance said, and the amounts paid to TDs will be published each month.
A spokesman from the department said: "The new system will replace 40 years of legislation with a single, transparent and verifiable parliamentary allowance system to cover the parliamentary and representation costs of Deputies, Senators and Ministers. This major reform is in addition to the substantial reductions imposed on Oireachtas members’ expenses in 2009."
Todays announcement also stipulated that Oireachtas members who are former office-holders will see their pensions reduced by 25% and from the start of the next Dáil and Seanad no serving member will be eligible to simultaneously receive a ministerial pension.
Members will also no longer qualify for long service increments and those currently in receipt of them will forfeit them from the start of the next Dáil and Seanad, the department said.
(DW/GK)
Under the proposals put forward today, TDs will have to verify their attendance for 80% of sitting days, which works out at 120 days for a TD each year to qualify for a full allowance, which could involve the introduction of swipe cards or electronic fobs.
The current raft of allowances payable to members of the Oireachtas each year, such as mileage, overnight accommodation, office and constituency expenses, will be replaced by a single parliamentary allowance made up of just two payments: one for travel and accommodation and another called the "public representative allowance".
The expenses will be on top of their basic pay, which starts at €92,672 for new TDs.
The reforms are aimed at "increasing the transparency of the allowances system", the Department of Finance said, and the amounts paid to TDs will be published each month.
A spokesman from the department said: "The new system will replace 40 years of legislation with a single, transparent and verifiable parliamentary allowance system to cover the parliamentary and representation costs of Deputies, Senators and Ministers. This major reform is in addition to the substantial reductions imposed on Oireachtas members’ expenses in 2009."
Todays announcement also stipulated that Oireachtas members who are former office-holders will see their pensions reduced by 25% and from the start of the next Dáil and Seanad no serving member will be eligible to simultaneously receive a ministerial pension.
Members will also no longer qualify for long service increments and those currently in receipt of them will forfeit them from the start of the next Dáil and Seanad, the department said.
(DW/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2009
TDs & Senators Expenses Reformed
TDs and Senators could feel a pinch in their pockets as the current system of expenses is reformed. The Oireachtas Commission has recommended a revamping of the controversial system of expenses for TDs and senators, which could see their allowances reduced if they fail to turn up for sittings and committee meetings.
TDs & Senators Expenses Reformed
TDs and Senators could feel a pinch in their pockets as the current system of expenses is reformed. The Oireachtas Commission has recommended a revamping of the controversial system of expenses for TDs and senators, which could see their allowances reduced if they fail to turn up for sittings and committee meetings.
03 July 2012
Controversy Increases Over TD Expenses
The system of expenses for TDs is facing fresh scrutiny after a series of revelations that taxpayers' money was used to fund the campaign against the household charge. Three left-wing TDs yesterday admitted claiming mileage for travelling outside of their constituencies to campaign against the €100 charge.
Controversy Increases Over TD Expenses
The system of expenses for TDs is facing fresh scrutiny after a series of revelations that taxpayers' money was used to fund the campaign against the household charge. Three left-wing TDs yesterday admitted claiming mileage for travelling outside of their constituencies to campaign against the €100 charge.
19 November 2008
TD Wages To Cost Taxpayer €46M This Year
With two pay rises and a tax free expense account worth just under half their basic salary, TDs are to cost taxpayers almost €46 million this year for running, amongst other things, Ireland's economy.
TD Wages To Cost Taxpayer €46M This Year
With two pay rises and a tax free expense account worth just under half their basic salary, TDs are to cost taxpayers almost €46 million this year for running, amongst other things, Ireland's economy.
04 June 2010
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
04 December 2019
Miners Protest Postponed In Co Meath
Tara Mines workers in Co Meath have postponed a scheduled protest in Dublin following confirmation of a drastic reduction in their flat rate expenses. Workers at the zinc and lead mine were due to take action outside Leinster House in Dublin today, 04 December, over the expense implementation due in the New Year.
Miners Protest Postponed In Co Meath
Tara Mines workers in Co Meath have postponed a scheduled protest in Dublin following confirmation of a drastic reduction in their flat rate expenses. Workers at the zinc and lead mine were due to take action outside Leinster House in Dublin today, 04 December, over the expense implementation due in the New Year.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
