It is reported that Chicago-based Senator Billy Lawless will claim the maximum travel expenses to take up his seat.

The Sunday Businness Post reports the Galway-born restaurateur has confirmed he will claim up to the limit of €29,565 to cover his travel for Seanad sittings.

However the newspaper reports he will pay the rest himself if his travel exceeds the limit under Oireachtas rules.

He was appointed to the Seanad last May, despite living in Chicago. He qualifies for band 12 expenses, which is for TDs and Senators who live more than 360km from Leinster House. Band 12 has up to now only been used by TDs and Senators living in the southwest of Ireland.

Senator Lawless says his top priority was to advocate for an opening up of voting rights in Irish elections.