AT A TIME when public confidence in the political system is at a low ebb, all claims for Oireachtas allowances and expenses should be properly vouched and accompanied by receipts. That is a basic requirement in any properly run business and, as legislators and public representatives, politicians should be setting a good example. Clarity on the issue of taxation is also required.
It is a great pity that, having accepted cuts to their salaries, allowances and expenses that members of the Dáil and Seanad should still cling to this unacceptable practice. The way the new system is structured, with relatively modest unvouched limits, means the majority of elected representatives will be required to supply supporting evidence for their claims in the future. So why spoil a positive development because of the avarice of a few who opt to do otherwise?
Six years ago, unvouched Oireachtas expenses and allowances became a source of public scandal when 30 TDs claimed €2.5 million from the State. The average amount paid was more than the maximum that will be permitted under the new system in vouched expenses. Since then, politicians have taken a cut in wages, along with a pension levy, as Government revenues collapsed. Mileage payments were reduced by one-quarter. Other allowances were cut by 10 per cent. Ministerial pensions paid to serving members were reduced by 25 per cent and they will be abolished after the next election.
These reforms were fiercely resisted by politicians from all parties. Details of the latest package were finally agreed between Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and an all-party Oireachtas commission. But not before a first draft from the commission, involving minimal change, was rejected by Mr Lenihan. In the same way, the Minister was forced to introduce legislation when some former ministers, still sitting in the Dáil, refused to voluntarily forgo their pension payments.
The example of the Dáil and Seanad should be followed at local government level. Transparency in such matters is hugely important to retain public confidence. That is why a commitment to publish details of all Oireachtas expenses on a monthly basis is so important. A regular audit of submitted receipts should ensure a high level of compliance. Environment Minister John Gormley is preparing legislation to cap council expenses and to control a long-running abuse whereby councillors attend conferences solely to claim expenses. These restrictions are long overdue.