TDS GOT €2.3 million in expenses during the Dáil’s 12 week break from June to September of this year.

Figures published in today’s Sunday Independent show that from early June to the end of September members of the Dáil claimed €2,303,138 in expenses.

The TD who claimed the most in expenses over the summer was Cork South West Fine Gael TD PJ Sheehan, who got €21, 180 in total. Sheehan, who was involved in a scandal just weeks ago after it emerged he drunkenly threatened a garda.

“I have no comment other than to say I am the furthest TD from the Dail and the closest to the White House. You would want to cop on. . .”

TDs are allowed to claim for travel expenses in their constituencies, for committee meetings, rent, offices and phones amongst other things.

Minister for State Dara Calleary used a government jet to fly in to Dublin for a vote on the holding of the three by-elections in Dublin South, Donegal South-West and Waterford, reports the Sunday Tribune.

The bill for the use of the jet rose to €9,000 after Calleary also used the jet to fly from Dublin to Brussels after he voted against the holding of the by-elections.