In Next GE,we should ask TD's canvassing for re-election to show their expenses!?

[loaded32]

Heres an idea that maybe might go a little bit of the way of changing the self serving culture of public office in this country.

When the next General Election comes up, hopefully sooner rather than later, any TD's going for re-election who come to our doors should be asked to produce their expense calims for the previous term and also to explain them if requested!? Dont think they'd be liking the thoughts of that and that goes for all parties!!!

What do you think? This will be the ordinary people actually demanding transparancy and accountability from our representatives!!! A start at least!!

[laidback]

One Dublin TD has a total expenses claimed figure and a total expenditure figure(higher) on her website - implying she is out of pocket!

Total figures are meaningless - they could even be justified in a few cases.

A key question is ask Dublin TDs is if they claimed the 'turning up' money which until recently when it was reduced by 10% was €61.33 per day unvouched untaxed.

No employer can pay any turning up money to staff without tax implications. We, taxpayers, =the employers of these Tds did not ever agree to pay this money let alone that it be untaxed and unrelated to any legitimate expenses.

[liamfoley]

How can we get our hands on that kind of info FOI?

[laidback]

How can we get our hands on that kind of info FOI?

FOI is the only way to get it but be warned - they will charge you more than the standard €15 fee as a friend of mine has discovered. She has just lost an appeal against additional charges of €83.80 for one years expenses for her 4 local TDs. She offered to go in and photocopy herself - the excuse for the charges was staff time!

[liamfoley]

FOI is the only way to get it but be warned - they will charge you more than the standard €15 fee as a friend of mine has discovered. She has just lost an appeal against additional charges of €83.80 for one years expenses for her 4 local TDs. She offered to go in and photocopy herself - the excuse for the charges was staff time!

Interesting, they put details of the appealed cases online, or at least they used to, any chance details of that case are online yet?

[laidback]

Interesting, they put details of the appealed cases online, or at least they used to, any chance details of that case are online yet?

She only got the decision today so unlikely online.

Did not know they did this - do they name the applicant?

[liamfoley]

They do not identify people, will keep an eye out but it is usually at the end of the year.

[seenitallb4]

In my view, it is a must. It should be extended to all elected office holders.