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

Mr. Coughlan mentioned something that might be part of the issue. The Houses of the Oireachtas simplified the administration of the expenses regime, if one likes to call it that, as part of the last change and it led to savings in staff costs. Obviously, in the past people used to have to put in a claim each month for their travel outlining in a manual docket the number times they travelled to Leinster House and the payment came through in due course. Is it just for administrative convenience that the amount to be paid for travel and accommodation is based on a Member's annual expected amount of travel to and from Leinster House and in his or her constituency? For administrative convenience that is divided by 12 and we get it on a monthly basis. Am I correct in saying that?