Sir, - I note that our legislators want to grant themselves a 30 per cent pay increase. And only the most miserly taxpayer would begrudge them reasonable remuneration for long hours spent in the crowded Dail chamber.
But may I suggest that the principles adopted by Mr Smith, in relation to the Defence Forces, should be applied in this instance?
All salary increases should be paid for out of savings, so an immediate reduction of 30 per cent in the number of TDs would cover the salary increases, pay for FAS courses for redundant TDs and for the removal of the spare seats in the Dail.
Mr Smith is concerned about the age profile of the Army. I am very concerned about the age profile of our deputies. The oldest ministers and shadow ministers should be the first to be made redundant, followed by those TDs who rarely frequent the Dail. - Yours, etc.,
Thomas Hand, Foxrock, Dublin 18.