TDs v MPs: 33% less work for 20% more pay

DÁIL deputies turn up in parliament only two-thirds as often as their British counterparts – yet pay themselves €14,000 a year more for doing so.

A cross-comparison of the two legislatures shows that TDs attended for a maximum of 101 sitting days during 2009, while MPs put in 146 days of parliamentary debate in the House of Commons.

Despite working a third less in the chamber, TDs pay themselves nearly 20% more than their British equivalents – Dáil members’ salaries start at €92,672 and average €112,000, while MPs are paid €78,885.