Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

289. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects to bring forward promised legislation to introduce changes to the leaders' allowance in respect of independent Deputies and Senators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39383/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Party Leaders Allowance is provided for in the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) Act, 1938, as amended by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Amendment) Act, 2001.

In the context of the Expenditure Estimates for 2013, I announced that a 10% reduction will be applied to the Party Leaders Allowance rates payable to qualifying leaders of political parties and to qualifying independent Members.

I also announced my intention to amend the legislation to improve the transparency of the Allowance by providing for auditing provisions to apply to independent Members in receipt of such payments.

I have taken the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of the Allowance and a consultation process has been undertaken with leaders of qualifying parties, qualifying independent members and with the Standards in Public Office Commission. Legislation is currently being drafted for publication shortly.