Plan to buy tablet devices for TDs and senators would save taxpayers money, insist officials

Giving TDs and Senators free hand-held tablet devices such as iPads will save the taxpayer money, Oireachtas officials claim.

The move has provoked controversy, with Labour’s Eamonn Maloney — the only TD who refuses to take expenses — insisting the 226 Oireachtas members are paid enough to buy their own tablet if they want one.

Mr Maloney has written to Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett condemning the plan to hand the devices — which retail at up to €799 depending on the make — to TDs and Senators for free.