Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to bring forward an audit regime for the expenditure of the leader's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42908/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Amendment) Act, 2001 provides for each party leader to prepare a statement of expenditure for the party leader’s allowance, to have it audited by an independent auditor and furnish it with the auditor’s report to the Standards in Public Office (SIPO) Commission. Based on the accounts submitted, the Commission is required to make a report to the Minister in relation to the use of the Party Leader’s Allowance and cause a copy of the report to be laid before the Oireachtas. The most recent report certifying compliance with the provisions of the Party Leaders Allowance legislation was published on 29 May 2012.

Allowances paid to Independent members are not subject to these oversight provisions.

I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly in relation to reviewing the Allowance. Any change proposed following that review will require primary legislation to be prepared.