Sir, – I would appreciate a wider view on the following statement in the Irish Constitution, as it relates to our TDs and Senators.
The exact wording is as follows: “The Oireachtas may make provision by law for the payment of allowances to the members of each House thereof in respect of their duties as public representatives and for the grant to them of free travelling and such other facilities (if any) in connection with those duties as the Oireachtas may determine” (Article 15.15). I read this as an allowance is to be paid for time spent in respect of their duties and expenses to be paid to offset travel and accommodation.
How does this statement as intended by our founding fathers sit, with today’s reality?