Politicians told to take 10% cut in their expenses

POLITICIANS in Leinster House have been told to take a 10% cut in their expenses under cost-saving measures announced last night.

The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission revealed the plan after a special meeting. Its initial proposals had been deemed insufficient by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.

Its original plans had sought to keep costs for running the Dáil and Seanad at the same level. However last night’s draft includes savings of e4m on the Commission’s annual budget of e137m.

It will involve:

*Cutting the number of Oireachtas committees.

*Reducing allowances paid to politicians elected out of Dublin.

*Ending the special secretarial allowance for ministers.

*Limiting free posting privileges.

*Restricting the travel budgets for committees and mileage rates paid to TDs and senators.

Earlier this week the commission received a letter from Mr Lenihan expressing his dissatisfaction with budget suggestions prepared in January.

As well as the cost-saving measures the Commission indicated it will continue to pursue other reforms contained in its earlier proposal. These include the introduction of a fixed allowance system for all TDs and senators which would be paid in proportion to each politicians attendance record.

Chairman of the Commission Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue said a quick decision was made rather than delaying the process until next month. “The commission has decided to act quickly on this important matter, that is why, following receipt of correspondence from the minister for finance, I convened today’s meeting.”