George Lee (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to reform the system of payment of expenses to Deputies to prevent abuse of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30489/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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It should be recognised that TDs incur legitimate expenses as part of their parliamentary duties both in attending Leinster House and as part of their constituency duties. I have already taken steps in relation to the revision of expenses. I have generally reduced the Oireachtas expense allowances by 10% and by 25% in the case of mileage. The Oireachtas Commission made proposals to me about the system of expense allowances payable to members of the Oireachtas. The proposals were an attempt to provide a more streamlined expenses system involving a single composite allowance in place of the existing separate allowances.

I have introduced enabling legislation which would allow the proposals of the Commission to be implemented. The Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 2009 provides for the introduction of a single composite allowance for Deputies and Senators to be known as the Parliamentary Standard Allowance. However, I am of the view that there is a need for further consideration and discussion of the proposed composite allowance before it is introduced in any regulations.