Finger Printing Politicians

I wrote recently about misuse of expenses by certain individuals in regard to the Seanad Eireann.

I questioned how a figure of more than €10.57million could have been claimed by certain Senators when the level of attendance by many is so abysmally low?

I asked the question what are they being paid expenses for and what are they doing if not Seanad work. Well now thanks to recent statements in Seanad Eireann by Senator Michael McCarthy I know exactly what some of them are doing and it all makes sense.

Speaking recently against the proposed changes to the Oireachtas expenses regime Senator McCarthy railed against the proposed Bill, which allows for greater transparency in expenses stating:“While this legislation is necessary and we must take a principled stand, it is also important to ask the serious questions and be practical about this matter. For example, are we now going to sign in to public meetings? My constituency is over 120 miles long, from Cork airport almost to Kenmare, taking in the Beara peninsula, the Mizen peninsula, and the harbours at Kinsale, Clonakilty, Baltimore and Courtmacsherry.”

He added "There are three electoral areas. As a successful constituency politician himself, the Minister of State will be aware of the importance of attending events and being seen where the crowds are. The perception and optics of a public representative include being seen in different places to meet constituents and support events".

Will we have to sign in for attending festivals, regattas, tidy town competitions, public meetings and ribbon-opening ceremonies? Will we have to provide proof of attending funerals to the Minister of State? Will we sign in when we meet planners or when we visit a site? Will we sign in when we attend a local authority meeting to listen to a report to councillors? said Senator McCarthy.

The Senator is talking about the Cork South West, Dail Constituency. He seems unaware that his constitutional role as a Senator means that he does not have a constituency. In fact he is arguing here that he should be permitted to be paid by the taxpayer for attending funerals, festivals, ribbon opening ceremonies and in his own words being seen where the crowds are.

Is this why Senator McCarthy is being paid over €130,000 a year in salary and expenses?

Is this the role and responsibility of a Senator to use his time being paid as a public servant canvassing for a Dail seat, instead of doing the job he is actually paid for in Seanad Eireann. Certainly not.

In a time when the public are seeking greater transparency on how public monies are spent or where they could be spent, one must question the value we are getting for OUR money. Let us not forget that our taxed income is paying for this extravagance.

Senator McCarthy had much more to say however on transparency in expenses for politicians. He view is that it is unnecessary.
“this Bill concerns the over-regulation of politicians. Are we to be fingerprinted when we come into Leinster House so that we can draw expenses? We must not forget the add-ons in the public service, as well as the vulgar filth that took place in FÁS, and the illegal practices in banks. Did they have to sign in? No they did not. They left their jobs, took their large pensions and lump sums and sat down…They do not have to sign in, but we must do so. It has become ridiculous.”

It surely has become ridiculous.