Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I support this amendment. Most members of the public would be quite surprised to learn that Independents receive an additional personal expense allowance of €41,000 that does not have to be vouched for in any way. In this regard, Independent Members of the Oireachtas have an enormous advantage over members of parties in their constituencies. If a Dáil lasts its full term, €41,000 per year adds up to a war chest of over €200,000 to put towards an election; members of political parties do not enjoy such a benefit. Has the Minister had occasion to examine this allowance?

A deal was struck with Independents some time ago, probably by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern. Much of what we are dealing with today, in terms of confusion and obfuscation relating to allowances, is a legacy of the former Taoiseach and the former Minister for Finance, Mr. Charlie McCreevy. Things were done quietly and extra money was put into the system. The problem is, when there is little discussion of or justification for such measures all politicians are brought into disrepute. Unfortunately, the money is not evenly shared and it is not justified. Like political party Members, Independents vary; some may spend a lot on constituency expenses and some may take a tighter approach. An additional €41,000 per year, untaxed and unvouched, is a lot of money. Deputy Bruton's proposed amendment, which would make this payment subject to vouching in the same way as the parliamentary allowance paid to leaders of political parties, is sensible.

When expenses are published emphasis tends to be placed on those who get the highest amounts and people assume that everyone gets such payments. Has the Minister reviewed these payments? Has an bord snip nua been working by candlelight on Independents' expenses? Was this in the terms of reference? The general public should understand that people who have the privilege of being elected as Independents get an extraordinary amount of money and it is up to them how they choose to spend it. Most Deputies, particularly those in political parties, spend money in a fairly predictable way; expenses are used to run constituency offices and communicate with constituents. However, the additional €41,000 per year that Independents receive may not be spent at all - it could be put in a piggy bank or in Anglo Irish Bank and saved for a rainy day.

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