Independent TD Finian McGrath confirmed tonight he is taking a voluntary 10 per cent pay cut in his Dál salary in an act of solidarity with people who have suffered redundancies or wage reductions in recent months.
The Dublin North Central TD said he has written to the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan to deduct his wages.
"I'm not looking for a gold medal and will not be jumping up and down on the Dáil plinth announcing it," Mr McGrath said. "I am doing it because it is the right thing to do in the current economic climate."
The TD added that backbench TDs have to show leadership just like the Taoiseach and Cabinet ministers who have also taken a 10 per cent pay cut.
The Government's decision to impose pension levies on State employees will cost TDs nearly €10,000 a year, while Ministers will lose nearly €20,000 annually.
Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott said earlier this week she will take a 20 per cent pay cut and has written to all Irish MEPs, TDs and Senators asking them to do the same.