SEANAD:THE MINISTER for the Environment said he expected proposals would be brought to government shortly in relation to the auditing of "leaders" allowance payments to independent TDs and Senators.

Phil Hogan told the House that this was getting active consideration by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin.

The independent group of Taoiseach’s nominees had called for vouching such expenses during a debate on a Bill to place restrictions on political donations. The Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill was passed by a large majority. Fianna Fáil opposed its passage on the grounds that it did not provide for a complete ban on corporate donations.

Fiach Mac Conghail (Ind) said there should be an onus on independent Oireachtas members to account for the expenditure of monies received from the public purse. Hundreds of thousands of euro were unaccounted for under existing requirements.

David Norris (Ind) said he thought there was a certain political naivety about the proposal, although he applauded the sentiment behind it.

As a full-time politician he worked 12 to 16 hours a day and he would not welcome an added responsibility being put on him. It would be a considerable imposition to have to produce audited accounts. “If I am provided with an accountant, fine.”

Acting Seanad leader Ivana Bacik (Lab) said she would be writing to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to ensure that there was no recurrence of the unavailability of a Minister to deal with an Opposition motion.