Politicians get increase in travel expenses

EXPENSES paid to politicians and public servants for travelling abroad will increase from Monday by up to 30% for some cities.

However, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has warned TDs, Senators and civil servants that only essential travel should be undertaken and that the number of delegates on each foreign trip should be kept to an absolute minimum.

The expenses paid to public servants and members of the Oireachtas are un-vouched for and are tax-free, in contrast to expenses paid to workers in the private sector.