Politicians chastised for misuse of €2.7m postal privileges

OIREACHTAS politicians have been chastised for passing on their €2.7 million worth of postage privileges to local election candidates.

The Standards in Public Office (SIPO) wrote to the Oireachtas and said because envelopes were no longer barcoded, politicians must ensure they are only used for legitimate purposes.

It said it was completely inappropriate for TDs and senators to allow party colleagues running for election to use the free-post entitlements given to elected representatives.