Some TDs looking for new allowance for working from home

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A number of TDs are seeking a new allowance for working from home during the Covid-19 crisis.

They say they need it in order to buy office equipment.

The Irish Examiner first reported that a number of TDs have raised the question of extra funding. Due to health guidelines currently in place to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, the majority of their staff are working from home.

Some have asked about better internet access, new computers and printers, and fees to cover mobile phone bills.

Sinn Fein’s Matt Carthy is against the move:

"My view is that ... to come out of the coronavirus crisis that has emerged TDs will be expected and should be absolutely willing to take a pay cut in the time ahead in order to contribute to the recovery we all want to see coming from this".

However, the Houses of the Oireachtas says it’s not considering any allowances. A statement said TDs can get an €8,000 allowance when first elected to set up their constituency offices, and can claim up to €750 every 18 months to buy mobile phones and equipment.

Meanwhile in New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and government officials are taking a 20 per cent pay cut which they say is in solidarity with those who have lost their livelihoods.