Call to reform politicians’ allowances

FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan has been urged to reform the political allowances system after it emerged 14 Independent TDs will each receive an extra €41,000 this year on top of their salaries, and won’t have to pay tax on the money or explain how it was spent.

Twelve Independent senators will also qualify for the payment, known as the party leader’s allowance, and receive €23,000 apiece on top of their basic salary.

In all, the 26 politicians will receive €855,000 between them without having to vouch for the money or pay tax on it.

Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming last night called for reform of the system, saying it should be audited by the state’s ethics watchdog, the Standards in Public Office Commission.

The allowance is a form of state funding for political parties, and is based on the number of Oireachtas members it has. The money is to cover expenses arising from parliamentary activities, and parties must provide an annual statement to the commission outlining how it has been used.

The allowance is also paid to Independent TDs and senators to compensate them for the lack of a party structure. However, unlike parties, the Independents do not have to tell the commission how the money was used.

Independent TDs receive €41,152, and the 14 claiming the payment are: Finian McGrath, Michael Lowry, Maureen O’Sullivan, Shane Ross, Michael Healy Rae, Noel Grealish, Stephen Donnelly, Luke Ming Flanagan, John Halligan, Mattie McGrath, Catherine Murphy, Thomas Pringle, Tom Fleming, and Seamus Healy.

Mick Wallace is entitled to the allowance but has not claimed it to date.

Independent senators receive €23,383, and the 12 claiming the payment are: David Norris, Feargal Quinn, Ronan Mullen, John Crown, Sean Barrett, Martin McAleese, Fiach Mac Conghaill, Eamonn Coghlan, Katherine Zappone, Mary Ann O’Brien, Marie Louise O’Donnell, and Jillian van Turnhout.

The Department of Finance said Mr McAleese had only begun claiming the allowance from November.

The allowance is separate to salaries. TDs are paid €92,672 a year while senators are paid €65,621.