So much is written (much of it wildly inaccurate, I suspect) about the expenses that can be legitimately claimed by a member of Dail Eireann. I decided therefore, to throw open the topic on P.ie to try to separate fact from wild fiction. Can anybody knowledgably answer the following few questions?

What is the daily living/accomodation allowance for being in Dublin?

Does this allowance apply just to 'sitting' days, or is it also paid for attendance at committees, etc.?

What is the mileage allowance, and is all petrol/tax/insurance paid for?

Do TD's really have free mobiles, free home and office phones, and free laptops?

Is the cost of opening/maintaining a constituency office completely covered, and what is the allowance for staffing the office?

Can a TD claim expenses for the cost of suits/shirts/shoes, etc. as obviously one would need a supply.

These may seem like idiotic questions, and they may not even belong in this section (DC please advise!!), but I'd be interested in finding out