Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for appearing before us. We have mentioned the UK a few times. I do not want to get into it as being a model. I see nothing but controversy about the expense regime in the UK and it is the one place we should not look at. I am surprised we have had so many references to the UK. From the conversation we have had one would almost interpret that it is potentially a good model, but it is the one we should not go near.

I wish to speak about two expenses that are in the public domain. First is the travel and accommodation allowance, which is provided for under the legislation. It is based on the distance from Leinster House. We need to sign in - electronically or otherwise - a minimum of 120 times per annum. For the record, I am at No 98 today. While I know it is governed by legislation, is there a statutory instrument setting out how that is to be paid? Who signs that statutory instrument? Is it the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform?