Dáil Éireann.

Bill to reduce TD salaries will lead to better governance - Lawless

AONTÚ representative for Mayo, Paul Lawless, has encouraged TDs to support his party's Bill to cut the salaries of TDs during the current Covid restrictions.

Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín has introduced a Bill which seeks to cut the salaries of Dáil deputies by 25% during level four and five restrictions.

Mr. Lawless has written to Mayo's four TDs urging them to support the Bill.

He commented: “I think if this Bill were to pass it would ensure better governance and decision-making.

“In introducing level five restrictions the government seems oblivious to the concerns of small businesses and the population in general. Whatever your views on the restrictions, surely we can all agree that better engagement with publicans, gym owners, and other stakeholders is warranted.”

Mr. Lawless continued: “This Bill would ensure that like so many others, TDs must feel the pinch as a result of the restrictions also.

“This virus is dangerous, but I would question the government's handling of the situation. From the very beginning of the pandemic we in Aontú were calling for the government to stop flights from infected regions from landing here. They went months without taking this action, and no doubt that has cost lives.

“Nursing homes represent the most vulnerable to this disease, and yet it would appear that little has been learned or little done to protect them. I firmly believe that if the government moves to better protect nursing homes and increase investment in testing and tracing then future lockdowns can be avoided.

“Many people are suffering as a result of the lockdown. Publicans are pouring beer down the drain because it has gone out of date. Domestic violence, suicide and depression are all on the rise, largely down to isolation and financial burdens arising from lockdown.

“If the government can make these unprecedented decisions to lock the country down then they shouldn't be immune to the consequences. Our Bill would ensure this - that whenever the country is put into level five restrictions then TDs salaries will be cut by 25%.

“I hope other TDs support our Bill.”