66 TDs 'to keep €6,400 long-service bonuses'

Senior TDs are reportedly set to keep their long-service bonuses despite Government promises to scrap the payments.

In his emergency Budget last week, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan vowed to scrap the special payments made to TDs with more than seven years' service.

However, reports this morning say the Department of Finance has confirmed that the decision will only apply to TDs who will be entitled to the payments in the future and will not affect those who already receive the bonus.

At present, 66 TDs receive almost €6,400 for 10 years' service and six receive almost €3,200 for seven years' service.

Another 26 TDs would reportedly have been entitled to the €3,200 payment from next month, but will now lose out on the pay rise due to the Budget announcement.