New rules for TDs expenses unveiled

A new regime of expenses for our TDs and Senators has been agreed.

After months of wrangling over allowances and payments, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan says he has agreed to a new system that has cross-party support.

Two new payments to all Oireachtas members will replace 40 years of legislation covering a raft of expenses systems.

Lenihan had already cut mileage allowances, overnight accommodation payments, telephone expenses and payments for roles on Oireachtas committees.

However, the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission have been trying to come up with a more transparent and verifiable system of expenses.

A new travel and accommodation allowance of €12,000 for Dublin TDs to almost €38,000 for those furthest away will be paid.

It will be sanctioned if attendance is 80% or more of the 150 required days in Leinster House.

A second public representative allowance will be paid for expenses such as constituency offices, mobile phones, home telephones, newspaper advertising, leaflets, newsletters, relevant conferences and other engagements.

Varying levels apply for Senators, TDs and Ministers - but a TD can get €15,000 a year unvouched and audit free or up to €25,700 vouched with receipts and the risk of an audit.