Claims that some Limerick TDs average €1,000 per week tax free expenses

[williewatch]

I came accross this item in the City Voice


The City Voice claimes...... "Some Limerick TDs are claiming an average of €1,000 a week in tax free expenses on top of salaries of more than €90,000"


The City Voice can also claims in the November edition ( City Voice 2011 ) that:

"The county’s 10 TDs claimed more than €303,980 in expenses in the nine months to September as well as €1.1m in salaries, a total of €1.42m.

However the figure for the full year is likely to be much higher as expenses claimed for the last quarter have yet to be published.

Former minister and Fianna Fail TD, Willie O’Dea, is the top claimant in the Limerick City constituency with more than €40,000 in expenses.

In the Limerick constituency, Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins also claims more than €40,000 in expenses."


An example of the money that the City Voice quotes (salary + expenses) is:

Ministers:

Michael Noonan €182,000
Jan O'Sullivan €148,000

TDs

Willie O'Dea €133,000
Kieran O'Donnell €121,000

The article states that the figures are for a nine month period.

If these figures are correct then it looks like the cut backs only apply to us ordinary mortals.

Are Limerick TDs worth this kind of money? Personally speaking I don't think so.

Karen O’Connor Desmond writes about it here: What Limerick TDs get paid in salaries and what they claimed so far in expenses in 2011 | The City Voice

[Lonewolfe]

[Harmonica]

Without a full breakdown of expenses the headline figures don't mean much. All expenses should be vouchered anyway, its a relatively simple & cost effective system to implement. Things like phones should be on a central Dail contract as that would also save money - with their monthly bills they should never have to pay for phone upgrade.

[myksav]

So that's the pint spluttering Enda was on about, the expenses to TD's rather than the septic tanks.

[EvotingMachine0197]

Expenses (PSA- Parliamentary STandard Allowances) are made up of TAA (Travel and Accommodation Allowance) and PRA (Public Representation Allowance).

2010 payments are here.

Limerick is in Band 6 for TAA- See THIS TABLE for all bands for TDs and Senators.

Ivor Callely was claiming under the highest Band - Band 12 = €36,150 PA.

The PRA can be unvouched upto €15,000 or Vouched up to €25,700.

[eoghanacht]

Dublin-Less than 25km-€12,000

Why in the name of God would a Dublin based TD already on a generous salary need 12k as expenses?

Is it any wonder people in the PS are filling their boots and p!ssing off to early retirement.

Enda you were chosen to lead now lead FFS.

[EvotingMachine0197]

Why in the name of God would a Dublin based TD already on a generous salary need 12k as expenses?

Is it any wonder people in the PS are filling their boots and p!ssing off to early retirement.

Enda you were chosen to lead now lead FFS.

Yes, it's total horsesht. It should start at €zero for up to 25km ..

[eoghanacht]

Yes, it's total horsesht. It should start at €zero for up to 25km ..

It's a disgrace and the brave and bold Eda will quiet happily target the old, infirm, SNA just about anybody before he'll tackle the absolute wastage that goes on in Leinster house.

[ShoutingIsLeadership]

Without a full breakdown of expenses the headline figures don't mean much. All expenses should be vouchered anyway, its a relatively simple & cost effective system to implement. Things like phones should be on a central Dail contract as that would also save money - with their monthly bills they should never have to pay for phone upgrade.

I suspect you meant 'vouched', but you might be on to something here!

[RobertW]

Why in the name of God would a Dublin based TD already on a generous salary need 12k as expenses?

Is it any wonder people in the PS are filling their boots and p!ssing off to early retirement.

Enda you were chosen to lead now lead FFS.

Getting paid to go to work. Getting vastly paid at work. Getting paid to go home.

That's Irish politicians for you.