INDEPENDENT TD KATHERINE Zappone has defended her travel and accommodation expenses after an article today suggested she may be claiming more money than she is entitled to.
The Sunday Times reports the former senator stands to earn €80,000 over the next five years from these expenses as she claims to live more than 25km from Leinster House. The paper, however, reports AA’s Route Planner puts the distance at less than 22km.
Zappone was previously questioned about her travel and accommodation expenses as a senator and speaking to TheJournal.ie today she said “nothing has changed”.
“All my expenses incurred as a public representative are filed within the rules of the Oireachtas. I’m operating within the rules.”
After trying several routes between my house and Leinster House, I found it to be the fastest and most efficient in terms of saving time.
The newly elected TD added that she was “very vigilant” when it comes to the rules of the Oireachtas and is “keenly aware” of the importance of value for money.
“It is the shortest practicable route,” she said.
The TD for Dublin South West, tipped for a ministerial position when a government is eventually formed, said today she was “interested in the timing” of the story.
“There’s no wrongdoing here, so I don’t think there’s a story.”
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