PAC calls for separate expenses body

The Oireachtas has said an independent body should examine financial perks for TDs and senators as it emerged that members this year will share over €7m in unvouched allowances.

The comments by Oireachtas secretary general Kieran Coughlan came as figures were released on the different types of allowances and expenses being claimed this year by members.

He said it was time for an outside body to set the scope of allowances to counter negative coverage of Oireachtas expenses.