TDs’ expenses still unpublished

DETAILS of TDs’ expenses are still not being published despite a commitment by the Oireachtas to do so to ensure greater transparency.

Earlier this year, a revised expenses system was announced for TDs and senators following agreement between the Department of Finance and the Oireachtas.

Under the revised system, a myriad previous allowances were lumped in to two core payments. In addition, TDs and senators must now verify their attendance at Leinster House.

The system took effect from March 1, with a promise that “payments to members of the Oireachtas will be published on a monthly basis”.

But two months after the system was introduced, the Oireachtas has yet to publish any data about the expenses claimed.

A spokesman for the Oireachtas Commission, the body that runs Leinster House, said the commitment to publish expenses’ details remained in place, but logistics were still being worked out.

“We are just agreeing the format internally and that will be put to the commission very shortly,” the spokesman said.

He said the commission intended to begin publication of the expenses at the end of this month.

It’s understood that one reason for the delay is that some TDs and senators have yet to signal what way they will claim allowances under the revised system.

Under the system, TDs and senators are entitled to two separate payments.

The first, known as the Public Representation Allowance, covers expenses related to phones, leaflets, advertising, conferences and similar. Under this, TDs can receive €15,000 a year without having to produce receipts, or up to €25,700 with receipts.

Senators can claim €9,250 a year unvouched or up to €15,000 vouched.

An Oireachtas source said part of the reason for the delay in publishing expenses was some TDs and senators had yet to decide if they would opt for the vouched or unvouched allowance options.

The second payment, the Travel and Accommodation Allowance, covers the costs of travel to Leinster House and overnight stays.

The allowance has been set at €12,000 a year for TDs in Dublin, rising to €37,850 for deputies living 360km or farther from Leinster House, and €7,000 a year for Dublin-based senators, rising to €32,850 for those 360km or more from Leinster House.

To qualify for full payment, TDs and senators have to demonstrate they attended Leinster House on at least 80% of sitting days.