Mr. Kieran Coughlan:

It was there before in the higher review body on remuneration where all the salaries of the Judiciary and politicians, including Ministers, were reviewed periodically. At one point, they used to do Members' allowances as well. The Minister for Finance would make submissions on behalf of Members, which came from the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges at that particular time.

They were then evaluated in the light of a benchmark against business practice in contemporary Ireland.