Public complaints as TDs canvas at cost to the taxpayer

Politicians have been warned to stop using taxpayer-paid Oireachtas envelopes to send out general election leaflets, after “a number” of TDs and Senators were caught misusing the service.

Spending watchdog, the Standards in Public Office (Sipo) Commission, issued the clear rebuke last night after confirming they have been contacted by voters who have received letters filled with election material — echoing previous controversies surrounding the use of paid-for envelopes.

Under long-standing legislation dating back a decade, TDs and senators are allowed to use paid for envelopes while in office in order to send out information to constituents and other matters relating to their jobs.