Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

It is factored into the allowances that are paid. That is why there is a requirement to be in attendance for a fixed number of days each year. It is understood as being factored in. No such allowance is available to members of the Government. A dual abode allowance, which is a tax concession, is available to Ministers. I assure the House that it does not come close to covering the cost of staying overnight. I am willing to debate this matter because it needs to be addressed in a much fairer way.

The Deputy's final question related to mileage. When we came into office, we said we would abolish State cars, etc. In the last Dáil, the cost of State cars was €280,000 per annum per Minister. The cost of the new regime we have introduced is less than €100,000 per annum per Minister. We have reduced it by more than 60%, which is a very credible performance.

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