Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a query regarding TD's allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51933/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The provision for payment of an annual allowance to the chairpersons of Oireachtas Committees is made in the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Act, 1998. The system of allowances paid to TDs was substantially overhauled by this Government in 2011 upon taking office. The number of committees, and therefore chairpersons, was substantially reduced from 24 to 15, and the amount of the allowance paid to chairpersons was reduced. In addition, allocations previously made to each committee for research were removed. The allowance paid to Committee Chairs has been reduced by 53% since 2009.

It is my intention to continue to ensure that the greatest value for money can be achieved in relation to payments of this nature on an ongoing basis consistent with ensuring maximum efficiency and output from Members.