Former TDs fail to return laptops, iPads, and IT equipment that cost taxpayers €20k

Twenty former TDs who retired or lost their seats at the last election have failed to return laptops, iPads, and other IT equipment that cost the taxpayer almost €20,000.

Former deputies were required to return equipment within six weeks of polling day on February 26.

However, three months later, 29 items with a total replacement value of €19,845 have not been returned.

Despite numerous attempts by the Oireachtas ICT unit to arrange collection of the items, ex-TDs from four political parties, including three former junior ministers, are among those who have failed to return the devices

Eight former TDs held on to their Oireachtas iPads which cost the taxpayer between €686.97 and €730 each.

Members who wished to retain equipment issued by the Oireachtas were offered an option of purchasing items at a depreciated cost.

Seven outgoing TDs availed of this option and bought their iPads for prices between €50 and €335.

However, three former TDs did not return laptops.

Scanners, firewall equipment, a fax machine, and a digital dictation device were also retained without authorisation.

Two other deputies were issued invoices for the purchase of iPads they had retained, but payment was not received.

Senators who retired or failed to retain their seats this year have until June 7 to return equipment provided to them by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

In a statement accompanying the records, the Houses of the Oireachtas Service said efforts were continuing to make arrangements for the return of the equipment to the ICT unit.