Irish Teachta Dála’s and Senators returned more than €240,000 in unspent allowances to the State’s coffers last year, new figures have revealed.
Under revamped expenses rules, Oireachtas members can opt to claim either a lower, unvouched flat payment or a higher sum that must be backed up with receipts.
Parliamentary standard allowances include a travel and accommodation allowance based on the distance the person travels to Leinster House from their home, and it also covers expenses such as office and communication costs.
The monies are paid out automatically each month and then at the end of the year any of the monies outside of the unvouched flat payment that cannot be backed up with receipts must be returned.
Last year, ahead of the election, 29 TDs, senators or ministers repaid unspent allowances amounting to just over €21,549. Two members claimed an additional €1,180. After the general election, 62 members of the 31st Dail repaid €219,284 to the state coffers. However, three members claimed an additional
