Politicians get rise in expenses despite downturn
The Department of Finance reportedly authorised an increase in expenses for politicians and public servants just one day before announcing a massive deterioration in the public finances.
Reports this morning say increases of between 1% and 4% were approved on Tuesday.
The following day, Exchequer figures from the Department of Finance showed a €1.45bn shortfall in tax receipts this year and a €5.6bn budget deficit.
The Government is planning to introduce €500m worth of cutbacks this year in an effort to control the downturn.
