Madam, – Your Editorial (“A bad example”, June 18th) was incorrect in its assertion that when the Oireachtas Commission was asked to contribute its share of the projected €2 billion in public spending cuts at the start of this year, members revised an allowances and expenses system but left the overall cost unchanged.
The Houses of Oireachtas Commission has produced a set of proposals which will result in an overall saving of up to €4 million in Members’ expenses for 2009 in addition to the €20 million budget savings to which it is already committed.
Contrary to your assertion, the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission does not have the power to implement the changes to its systems of expenses.
This remains the responsibility of the Minister for Finance who has the sole responsibility in this area. I hope this clarifies the matter. – Yours, etc,