Question: How did our Tipperary Public Representatives fair out on the old expenses gravy train during 2009.
Answer: Not bad at all when compared to 133,700 people who lost their jobs this year.
North Tipperary Deputy Michael Lowry topped the poll for claiming the highest expenses for an Independent member of Dail Eireann in 2009 according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act and published by the Sunday Independent newspaper.
The Dail in Summer
Amounts published relate generally to the period from December 1st, 2008, to December 1st, 2009,
The first count reads as follows:
Deputy Michael Lowry (Ind) €82,448.
Deputy Tom Hayes (FG) €72,815 Euro.(Includes his €16,018 Oireachtas Allowance.)
Deputy Mattie McGrath (FF) €66,601.
Deputy Noel Coonan (FG) €66,035.
Deputy Maire Hoctor (FF) €39,150.
In last place, South Tipperary Junior Minister Dr. Martin Mansergh (FF) failing to reach the quota with just a miserable €8,888.
Non-Government Oireachtas members for Tipperary seemed to do far better overall expenses wise, with Fine Gael claiming almost €138,850 Euro between their two representatives, while Fianna Fail only managed just €114,639 between their three representatives.
The 166 TDs in Dail Eireann during 2009, claimed almost €8m in largely tax-free unvouched expenses/ allowances or over €78,000 for every day the parliament was in session.
Here’s hoping that they all shop local.
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