A new report says the current system of public sector allowances is not fit for purpose.
The Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee is calling for a root and branch review of the 1,100 payments.
PAC recommends moving certain allowances to core pay and consolidating others, as well as re-defining an allowance.
The review says the majority go to front line staff and for many low paid workers represent a significant portion of their pay.
The 50 page report also calls for greater transparency in political allowances, which the committee says should all be vouched or verified.
The PAC Chairman, Fianna Fáil's John McGuinness, is also calling for greater transparency in political allowances.
"It would be far better if all of the allowances or any payment from the state was actually vouched.
"Then, whether you claim €25,000 or €10,000, it's clear, transparent and understood by the public."