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01/06/2010
TD And Senator Expenses Open To Public
The expenses of TD's and Senators in the Oireachtas has for the first time published on the internet.
From today, anyone can view the expenses of their local representatives on the internet in a bid to improve voter confidence.
Fine Gael TD for Cork South West PJ Sheehan came top of list for the most expenses claimed in March and April, while the figures also show that Fianna Fáil senator Ivor Callely handed back a cheque of almost €4,000 to the Oireachtas in March.
The Dublin Senator has come in for criticism for claiming over €80,000 in expenses, after he stated that his principle address is in West Cork.
Announcing the publication of the expenses this morning, the Chairman of both houses, Ceann Comhairle, Seamus Kirk said: “This change in policy is another important step for the Houses of the Oireachtas. It provides the public with detailed, up-to-date information on the level of allowances paid to their elected representatives on a monthly basis.
"I believe that regularly disclosing these costs will result in a greater level of accountability and will bring more public confidence to the system. Today’s initiative is part of the ongoing commitment by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to provide open, transparent and accountable Parliament on behalf of the people who elect it”.
Mr Kirk added the new policy would contribute to other recent reforms made to the way TDs and Senators expenses are vouched and accounted for.
Under the new system, introduced earlier this year, members are given a standard all-in-one monthly parliamentary allowance to instead of a billed list of expenses.
"These changes have streamlined the system for Members and are now more verifiable and accountable from the public’s perspective. In addition, Members are now required to verify their attendance at Leinster House and will be liable for deductions for non-attendance," Mr Kirk said.
(DW/GK)
From today, anyone can view the expenses of their local representatives on the internet in a bid to improve voter confidence.
Fine Gael TD for Cork South West PJ Sheehan came top of list for the most expenses claimed in March and April, while the figures also show that Fianna Fáil senator Ivor Callely handed back a cheque of almost €4,000 to the Oireachtas in March.
The Dublin Senator has come in for criticism for claiming over €80,000 in expenses, after he stated that his principle address is in West Cork.
Announcing the publication of the expenses this morning, the Chairman of both houses, Ceann Comhairle, Seamus Kirk said: “This change in policy is another important step for the Houses of the Oireachtas. It provides the public with detailed, up-to-date information on the level of allowances paid to their elected representatives on a monthly basis.
"I believe that regularly disclosing these costs will result in a greater level of accountability and will bring more public confidence to the system. Today’s initiative is part of the ongoing commitment by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to provide open, transparent and accountable Parliament on behalf of the people who elect it”.
Mr Kirk added the new policy would contribute to other recent reforms made to the way TDs and Senators expenses are vouched and accounted for.
Under the new system, introduced earlier this year, members are given a standard all-in-one monthly parliamentary allowance to instead of a billed list of expenses.
"These changes have streamlined the system for Members and are now more verifiable and accountable from the public’s perspective. In addition, Members are now required to verify their attendance at Leinster House and will be liable for deductions for non-attendance," Mr Kirk said.
(DW/GK)
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