‘Name and shame’ TDs who employ relatives

Taoiseach Enda Kenny opined: “I don’t think it is a wise thing for politicians to employ family members”, in response to the disclosure that Fine Gael TD, John Perry, is employing his wife as a parliamentary assistant, on an annual salary scale that can rise to €49,000, with the potential to earn further in over-time.

This practice should be scrutinised before the next general election.

It deserves more critical attention than a fleeting soundbite from the Taoiseach. Politicians employing family members is out of step with public sector practices that foster fairness and accountability in recruitment and remuneration. Could the Taoiseach publish a list of Oireachtas members and Irish MEPs who employ people closely connected to them; the roles they perform and the remuneration and expenses they claim annually?