FF backbenchers receive assurances over revised expenses plan for TDs

FIANNA FÁIL TDs have been given assurances by Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan that he has made no final decisions about Leinster House expenses reforms, which have infuriated many of them.

Mr Lenihan met with over 30 TDs yesterday concerned about the plan designed by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, which can be brought into effect by the Minister’s signature following the passage of enabling legislation on Thursday.

Under the legislation, Mr Lenihan will have powers to pay a monthly lump sum to TDs to cover all their travel and overnight costs, along with money to run constituency offices.

If implemented, the plan would see 46 per cent of all TDs losing money, although 54 per cent would gain – in general those who live more than 15 miles outside Dublin, which allows them to claim overnight expense, but no farther than 60 to 80 miles away. The plan was drafted over recent months by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, led by Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue, who said changes must be made to rules, given the economic climate and public anger.

Fianna Fáil TDs only learned about the plans for a monthly expenses payment and a clocking-in system at this week’s parliamentary party meeting.

Backbenchers are unhappy with their own representatives on the commission, insisting that they had not been kept up-to-date.