Should Eamon Ryan (and others) Pay Back Constituency Office Expenses?

[Baztard]

[The Indo] MINISTERS were accused yesterday of "cashing in" after embarrassing revelations about an expenses loophole.

It is understood several members of Cabinet continue to pocket expenses cheques for running a constituency office -- even though their constituency offices are paid for in full by their departments.

Every TD is paid an annual amount of €8,888 on top of a six-figure salary to support their costs in running a constituency office.

Now it has emerged that members of the Cabinet have continued to accept the payment, even though ministers also receive a general expenses cheque from their department each year.

Meanwhile, civil servants answer constituents' queries. The general expenses paid to ministers is €13,390 and both payments are made out as personal cheques to the politician.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan does not accept the allowance because of the duplication issue. And yesterday Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said he would no longer accept the second cheque.

But among those said to receive both are the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste, the Justice Minister, the Education Minister, and Social Affairs Minister.

[amblincork]

No these payments are imortant in that they help to emphasise what hypocrites politicians are - I will exempt Trevor Sargeant who I understand resigned his permanent teaching position on being made a Minister.
Ryan's position is of course the most indefensible of all as he like to position himself as the embodiment of integrity.
Q What is the difference between this and and a corporate donation ?
A Corporate donations are voluntary, the tax payer didnt get a choice.