Expenses almost £4m in six months
Monday December 14 2009
Northern Ireland's Assembly members have racked up almost £4 million in expenses in six months, new figures have revealed.
The £3.775 million bill incorporates what each of the 108 MLAs spent on travel, office and other costs from April to September this year.
SDLP representatives have emerged as some of the highest spenders, with the party filing the top three spots when it comes to largest total claims.
Social Development minister and party leadership contender Margaret Ritchie (South Down) was first with £52,860 in claims, followed by Dominic Bradley (Newry and Armagh) with £48,960 and Pat Ramsey (Foyle) claiming £47,530.
Mr Ritchie's claims included a £2,466 bill for the design and set-up of a website.
A party spokesman said all claims by its MLAs were legitimate and could be accounted for. He also pointed out that Ms Ritchie had to pay for unforeseen sick leave cover for staff and a proportion of Mr Ramsey's claim included a disability allowance. MLAs are entitled to claim a total of £72,660 per year.
The publication of the six-monthly breakdown comes after the first quarter's payments were outlined in September.
Among the claims, was a £2,300 legal bill submitted by independent republican candidate Gerry McHugh for the cost of an industrial dispute involving a former staff member.
"This tribunal was taken against me so I couldn't do anything about that," said the Fermanagh and South Tyrone member. "This was a necessary expense."
Other claims in the latest raft of figures include Nigel Dodds (DUP North Belfast), £140 for a flip chart; Adrian McQuillan (DUP East Londonderry), £170 for a coffee machine; Danny Kinahan (UUP South Antrim), £250 for two digital cameras; Anna Lo (Alliance South Belfast), £265 for a desk and operator chair. All claims submitted were within Assembly rules.
