Politicians are being paid mileage to attend virtual meetings at home, it has emerged. Expenses have continued to be paid to councillors at the same rates as normal, despite activities being curtailed and many meetings moving online. The monthly expenses allowance paid to councillors is made up of subsistence, a fixed amount and mileage based on the distance from the councillor’s home to the council offices. The level of virtual-versus-physical meetings varies from council to council, as well as the restrictions in place. An independent review of councillors’ pay recommended an increase of almost 50pc.

Source: Irish Independent December 29, 2020 02:26 UTC