Perk and pay

Sir, – I cannot believe that when talking in the Dáil about his engineer acquaintance, Enda Kenny recognised that "travel and subsistence" in the public service is de facto an income. (Miriam Lord, January 22nd). It is not even meant to cover one's living costs as in "all found". If diligently set by the management and an honest return is made by the claimant then no profit or loss should occur. I'm afraid that Mr Kenny just touched on another little irregularity built into our public service. Another little "perk". – Yours, etc,

BRIAN GILLEN,

Beach Drive, Dublin 4.