Dáil has sat just twice since the election but TDs get paid €1.2m

Thousands have been paid out to ministers who failed to get re-elected, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

The country’s 158 TDs have earned over €1.2m in salaries since the general election — despite a failure by all of the parties to form a government and the fact the Dáil has sat just twice in more than a month.

Oireachtas and Department of Public Expenditure officials have confirmed the sum has been paid out since February 26 as all politicians are entitled to their full salary and any ministerial add-ons despite the Dáil stalemate — even those who remain in office despite not being re-elected.