Junior Ministers net ¼m in expenses

SINCE they took office last summer, 15 junior ministers in the Fianna Fáil /Progressive Democrats government have claimed more than €250,000 in expenses.

Averaging €500 a week, the payout relates to travel and subsistence allowances.

Only chief whip Mary Hanafin in the Taoiseach’s department has a State car, while her junior minister colleagues must make their own transport arrangements.