McDaid and O’Dea have worst Dáil attendance records
Disgraced ex-junior transport minister Jim McDaid clocked in for just 38 days between March and November this year giving him by far the lowest level of appearance of any deputy.
He was followed by ex-defence minister Willie O’Dea who left the Cabinet under a cloud in February and has only turned up at the Dáil on 62 days in the period detailed.
The figures were released as part of the attempt to make expenses claims more transparent as TDs must now register their attendance and can only claim higher levels of remuneration for travel costs if they clock in for 100 days by the end of the year.
By the last day of October, 32 deputies had achieved that level of attendance with most of the others likely to reach the figure by year’s end.
Those closest to Dublin can claim €12,000 a year in travel expenses while those furthest away can claim €37,000.
If TDs miss the 100 day target they lose 1% of their claim per the numbers of days they are short, so failure to reach the number could see deputies lose between €120 — €370 per day. Cabinet and junior ministers are not included because they enjoy the perk of State cars with Garda drivers.
Mr McDaid announced his resignation from the Dáil last month after a controversial career. He was convicted of drink-driving offences in 2005. Mr McDaid sparked much comment earlier this year when he refused to hand back part of his ministerial pension despite others doing so due to the economic emergency.
The ex-Donegal North West TD gave a TV interview explaining his decision from his home in Donegal — despite it being a Dáil sitting day.
Independent TD Finian McGrath and Labour’s Mary Upton were the first to reach the 100 day target on July 26.
Most of those who have managed to reach the figure so far are from the greater Dublin region.
Those with the worst attendance records after Mr McDaid and Mr O’Dea are Shane McEntee on 66 days and Michael Moynihan on 67 days.
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