How the new expense system works

UNDER the new system, instead of the myriad allowances previous available, TDs and senators are now given a standard “all-in-one” monthly parliamentary allowance to cover their expenses and costs.

This parliamentary allowance is broken into two strands – a “public representation allowance” and a “travel and accommodation allowance”.

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.