TDs expenses back in spotlight as Blaney gets highest Donegal payment

TD’s expenses are back in focus after it emerged that despite promises that the amount claimed would fall and the system would be reviewed, nearly 8 million euro was paid out to TDs in 2009, more than the previous year.
According to figures collated and published by the Sunday Independent, the highest earning Donegal TD was North East Deputy Niall Blaney, who was paid almost 76,000 euro in expenses last year, and ranked 16th of the 166 Dail Deputies.
In 31st place was North East Deputy Dr James Mc Daid, who received almost 68,000 euro.
Donegal South West Deputy Dinny Mc Ginley was in 53rd place, receiving almost 62,000 in expenses last year, while Pat The Cope Gallagher was 76th, receiving just over 51,000 euro for the five months he served as a TD before being elected to Europe.
Deputy Joe Mc Hugh of Donegal North East was 104th, receiving almost 40,000 euro, while Tanaiste Mary Coughlan was 141st, claiming just over 21,000 euro. The bulk of her expenses will be claimed through her department.