Cowen denies misleading people regarding TDs’ pay cuts

The Taoiseach says it was not the Government's intention to mislead people when announcing the scrapping of long-service payments for TDs and Senators.

The move was announced on budget day, but the Government later back-tracked and said the cut would only apply in the future and would not affect politicians who already receive such payments.

Speaking in Co Offaly today, Brian Cowen says legislation would be needed to change existing arrangements with TDs.