Am looking forward to the Green Party (if in government) abolishing this special higher rate of mileage that applies only to ministers and judges for gas-guzzling cars. There’s no way they could stand over it, is there ;-) https://t.co/4iwgawMBXU
— Ken Foxe (@kenfoxe) June 19, 2020
Anyone?
From top: Leinster House car park; travel costing guidlnes
Further to Frank O Rourke TD and his ‘mileage of shame‘
Expenses sleuth Ken Foxe writes
Twelve TDs are each being paid over €25,000 in travel expenses per year despite living within a 60 kilometre radius of their place of work…
the TDs are paid a tax-free sum of €25,295 each to cover the cost of their travel and accommodation.
That allowance is calculated on the basis of 150 overnights paid at civil service rates according to a statement from the Department of Public Expenditure (which makes up around 60% of the annual payment).
The only ones who don’t get the accommodation element included are the Dublin TDs.
The rest of the €25k-a-year allowance is based on travel to and from work, and whatever additional travel they undertake in their constituency or nationally as TDs.
In the latest publication of Dáil expenses for April, they are all listed as being in receipt of €3,803.75, which includes their monthly travel and accommodation of €2,107 and a separate payment to cover the costs of public representation.
Previously: The Mileage Of Shame
“I’m working here.”
Ruairi Quinn arriving at government buildings earlier.
(Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland)
When is a ministerial Merc not a ministerial Merc.
When it’s an office.
The claim form from the Department of Education specifies that all mileage must be carried out as part of official Ministerial duties.
Asked whether this type of claim was acceptable, particularly in light of Labour’s previously hard-line policy on expenses claimed by Ivor Callely and John O’Donoghue amongst others, one of Mr Quinn’s special advisers said he was working in the car during these journeys.
His spokeswoman said: ”All of Minister Quinn’s claims for expenses and mileage are strictly in accordance with the arrangements outlined by the government.The Minister is often required to interrupt his holidays to attend official functions and undertake government business. In order to carry out his considerable workload at the Department of Education and Skills, the Minister carries confidential official papers in the car and works while on route to his destinations. This is considered to be official travel.“
Do try this with your boss today.
Go on.
Previously: Call Us Old-Fashioned
Also: Small Business Minister Claimed €31,867 In Mileage Last Year
But this expenses scandal has more mileage.
The dude’s a minister.
Previously: Oh Dear
(Photocall Ireland)
