21/01/2009

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.

The Oireachtas Commission, the body that runs Leinster House, met today and its chairman, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue, tabled proposals which he said would bring greater transparency and accountability to expenses payments.

Under the reform programme, the Oireachtas expenses regime agreed today would include the recording of attendance and deductions for members who are not present.

The party whips are expected to oversee the verification process.

The proposals have now gone to the Department of Finance for implementation.

(DW/BMcC)


Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 January 2020
EU Commission President Makes Inaugural Visit To Dublin
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has welcomed President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen on her first official visit to Ireland.
15 December 2022
NI Act Must Be Updated To Remove Designations – Alliance
The Northern Ireland Act must be updated to remove designations in the Assembly, Alliance Communities Spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said, following the release of a major report which she said presents an opportunity to deal with gaps in equality law.
05 December 2019
Charity Urges New TDs To End Homelessness
Four new TDs who entered the Dáil this week have been urged to make ending the housing crisis a key priority, as new figures reveal a record total of 10,514 people homeless. The number of homeless in Ireland has shot up by a staggering 55% since the last general election in February 2016, when 5,811 were homeless.
23 February 2018
Oireachtas Must Urgently Regulate 'Vulture Funds' - FF
The Oireachtas has been called to urgently regulate 'vulture funds'. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath, made the call following a statement from Ulster Bank CEO Gerry Mallon that the bank may sell off up to 7,000 mortgages. Deputy McGrath said: "The case for full regulation of these vulture funds is compelling.
22 January 2020
Critical And High-Risk Non-Compliancy Issues Identified At Mental Health Centres
Two critical and nine high-risk areas of non-compliance have been identified at two mental health centres in Dublin and Laois, the Mental Health Commission (MHC) has reported. According to the MHC both approved centres received critical risk ratings; one for use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and the other for individual care planning.