OVER HALF a million euro of taxpayers’ money was claimed by 22 councillors in Wexford Co. Council over the course of 2013.
The total figure claimed was €584,909.26, made up of conference expenses, member expenses, representational payments, strategic policy committee payments and Chairperson and Vice Chairperson allowances.
The standard representation payment afforded to all members of the council, who serve a full one-year term, is €16,644.55. They are also afforded member expenses which relate to the recoupment of travel and other costs uncured.
Topping the table in 2013’s list of expenses was former Chairperson, Cllr. Kathleen Codd Nolan with a total claim of €45,255.85. This was made up of her annual salary along with €6,833.62 in member expenses, €4,012.95 for attending conferences abroad and €17,764.73 of a bonus for holding the role of Co. Council Chairperson.
The next highest earner was current Chairperson Cllr. Ted Howlin who, along with his annual salary, claimed member expenses of €5,339.03 plus €2,004.01 for attending conferences in Ireland. He is also in receipt of a bonus of €18,161.71 for holding the role of Chairperson. His total claim amounted to €42,149.30.
Representational Payments for 2013 came to a total of €347,169, with members’ expenses totalling €132,980. Over €20,000 was spent on attending conferences at home and abroad and €30,000 was paid to members who were party of Strategic Policy Committees.
A total of €5,497 in conference fees were paid directly to conference organisers for those attending the events.
[Full story and expenses in this week’s Echo]