Was reading an article from the mid 80s where it was stated that TD's salaries were Tax Free.
Is this still the case?

I sincerely hope not, but nothing would surprise me.

If I could pay myself with someone else's money I would probably pay myself a lot too.

Heres a question, if TDs are paid from the public purse and are taxed, arent the government just taking back money they have just paid out?- Why not just reduce their salaries and save time?

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'A defeatist attitude now would surely lead to defeat, it primarly a question of whether we have confidence in ourselves and the dilligence and determination of our people,We can't opt out of the future.' Sean Lemass (1965)

Because then people would complain that TDs were paid tax free.

You could say that about anyone working for the state - about 30-40% of the Irish workforce.

The reason is political - its easier to raise tax than lower pay.

Exactly, though but would it not save money and time if they just calculated how much they would pay in Tax and just reduce their salary.

I dont get the point of paying money out and then taking it back the enxt day.

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'A defeatist attitude now would surely lead to defeat, it primarly a question of whether we have confidence in ourselves and the dilligence and determination of our people,We can't opt out of the future.' Sean Lemass (1965)

No, in the 80's a portion (50% I think) was tax free, in return for the removal of the Tax Free amount they received a hefty increase.

While I agree with popular opinion that their salaries are too high, I cannot believe that more hasn't been made of the expenses paid to TD's. Why does a Dublin based TD get an allowance just to attend. I expected that given the coverage received by the British media into MPs expenses that the Irish media would have turned their attention to our TD's.

It keeps a few extra public servants in jobs

Dailer is right - the issue is expenses.

In the April 09 budget Lenehan announced that the 'turning up' money (daily untaxed unvouched €61.33 per day) would be slashed by TEN% (I'm not joking this is slashing). He also announced removal of long service increments and ending of sitting TDs also collecting ministerial pensions (B Ahern is best example of this).

However, 3 months later, the government has not found the time (surprise surprise) to put through the necessary legislation. Meanwhile they are currently rushing through the levy on holiday homes legislation and they were able to rush thro the removal of medical cards for over 70s.

They won't find find the time to slash their turning up money before they depart for their long holidays (having of course claimed the turning up money to date).

How can this lot talk about cutting rent allowance and dole when they refuse to implement cosmetic changes to their own lucrative package?

I'm not a big fan of Leo Varadkar but to his credit he gives a full breakdown of his expenses and how he spent the amount claimed. Its on his web site Leo Varadkar TDs Expenses - how I spent mine !. in 2008 he claimed €34,671.80. I can accept the amount for Constituency office in fact €9k approx wouldnt go too far in the greater Dublin area. Its the other amounts that cause me concern 10K for travel and subsistance & 5k + for misc expenses. Now before all hell comes down on my head I am not getting at Leo, I admire his openness in publishing his amount claimed and amount spent. It is the principle of TD's expenses and the amount that they are entitled to that I have a serious issue with.