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.

But their colleague Richard Boyd Barrett fuelled the controversy by claiming he had been warned not to use his expenses in that way.

And as confusion mounted, the Oireachtas watchdog was still unable to say if this was allowed under rules covering TDs' expenses. The whole affair calls into question how complex and costly expenses claims, paid for by taxpayers, are scrutinised for all politicians.

The key issue is whether TDs can claim their travel allowance to cover political activities outside their own constituencies.

The latest controversy is focused on Socialist Party TDs Joe Higgins and Clare Daly, as well as United Left Alliance TD Joan Collins (all pictured).

The three all confirmed they had used their travel expenses to pay for journeys to anti-household tax meetings around the country.

Mr Higgins insisted his use of expenses to attend rallies in Donegal, Kerry and elsewhere outside his constituency was "entirely legitimate".

But the three were left increasingly isolated last night after other colleagues in the so-called 'technical group' said they had not used their travel expenses for this purpose.

The Oireachtas Commission, which is in charge of the Leinster House expenses system, said again last night that it was still examining the issue of which travel expense claims were allowed.

(H/GK)