Less work, more pay, little accountability – that’s how it looks if you compare our politicians to those in Westminster.
A cross-comparison of the two legislatures shows that TDs are absolutely milking it in terms of earnings, time off and expenses.
The salaries
TDs’ salaries start at €92,672 and average €112,000, while MPs are paid €78,885. Irish Cabinet ministers earn €191,417 annually, compared with their counterparts in Westminster who are on €161,478. Dublin’s junior ministers, on €139,266, are well ahead of their Commons equivalents who earn €118,488.
The time off
In 2009, TDs sat in parliament for 101 days, while MPs put in 146 days of debate in the House of Commons. TDs are currently on their 81-day summer holiday and will return to office on 29 September.
The expenses
Claiming expenses for Irish politicians is, as we know through the Ivor Calelly scandal, an easy process. Our boys and girls in Leinster House can claim €15,000 a year in unvouched expenses while MPs must provide receipts for every claim.
Political leaders around the world
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is the highest paid politician of all the EU heads of state and government, and the fourth highest paid in the world. He earns €228,466 a year compared to British Prime Minister David Cameron who takes home €171,000. The world’s highest paid politician is Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He earns $2.75 million. US President Barack Obama is third in the world, earning $400,000 annually.
The conclusion
In summary, TDs earn on average €14,000 a year more than MPs, work 45 days less in the year, can claim expenses to value of a two-bedroom apartment in Monaghan and our Taoiseach receives €60,000 more a year than his British counterpart. Overall, Irish politicans are far better off than their friends across the pond.
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