Former Taoisigh lose admin expenses

Former Taoisigh are no longer entitled to claim a range of expenses as part of a scheme under which Bertie Ahern billed for more than €360,000 in secretarial costs since 2008.

The expenses cover computer and telephone bills, VIP airport facilities and secretarial assistants.

Yesterday, the Department of the Taoiseach put an end to the practice, which was introduced in 2001 to allow former holders of the office to carry out public roles, deal with correspondence and help researchers.