Overhaul of TDs' expenses

Madam, – In the case of the unvouched expenses of €15,000 and vouched expenses of €25,700, I would not be surprised to see if…

Madam, – In the case of the unvouched expenses of €15,000 and vouched expenses of €25,700, I would not be surprised to see if most, if not all TDs miraculously don’t cross the threshold of €15,000 (Home News, February 11th).

Why would a Dublin TD require a €12,000 travel and accommodation allowance? In the case of the “attendance allowance”, why is it proposed that the “full” amount be payable for 80 per cent attendance?

It is worth noting that TDs have a very favourable tax regime compared with other public servants and PAYE workers, and that the above “expenses” are tax-free! While these are changes to the present system, they are hardly “radical”. – Yours, etc,

DERMOT FAGAN,

Llewellyn Grove,

Dublin 16.