A NUMBER of TDs have asked about the possibility of new allowances for them to purchase equipment to work from home.
Ever since coronavirus lockdown measures were put into place last month, TDs have been largely unable to operate as normal and have instead been forced to work from home, as they follow public health guidelines.
According to reports, many have raised questions about getting the likes of better internet connections, new computers and printing equipment, as well as additional funds to cover increased phone bills.
It comes just a week after MPs in the UK were offered an extra £10,000 (€11,500) to help with the purchasing of new office equipment to assist them working from home.
Though it was reported that MPs had given themselves the increase, it was in fact the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
In Ireland, the Houses of the Oireachtas would make any such decision regarding new allowances, though according to reports, it isn't currently considering any.
TDs already have access to an €8,000 allowances when they are first elected to assist with the setting up of their constituency office, while they can also claim €750 every 18 months for the purchase of mobile phones and associated equipment.
"There is no new additional allowance being considered," said the Houses of the Oireachtas.
"For many years now, TDs have been able to avail of a constituency office set up grant."
See More: Allowances, Houses Of The Oireachtas, TDs
