Politicians' expenses across Europe: Anybody hear Drivetime?

Rebelheart

Was anybody listening to Fergal Keane on RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime this afternoon? It was on at about 17.10 - go to 39.15 on the Drivetime programme - and can be listened to here:


http://www.rte.ie/news/drivetime/

Anyway, Keane went around the EU and checked the expenses systems in France, Germany, Sweden, Italy and Switzerland. Interestingly, the Swiss state owns 200 odd aparatments next to the parliament which are used by all their members of parliament. The Swedish model seemed the best - e.g. all MPs had to take the standard fare - and, needless to say, the Italian model seemed riddled with corruption. Some states give bigger expenses but lower salaries (e.g. France), while Germany gives fixed expenses but allows all MPs to have free train transport around the country.

It's well worth listening to for a broader perspective. Admittedly, as Keane only had 5 minutes this comparative study needs more depth - e.g. a Primetime special - but it gives a very good idea of how the Irish system compares to other EU states.

maxwell smart

Do you realise that Germany, that rather large country, has fewer state cars than Ireland?? And them with their lovely Autobahns!

paddyland

Rebelheart wrote: »

while Germany gives fixed expenses but allows all MPs to have free train transport around the country.

I would like to imagine if our TDs had free train transport around the country, that we would have an inestimably better train network, although in practice I am sure the John O'Donoghues of this world would still favour the taxpayer's jet...

Overheal

I assume blind that Berlin has a passable Subway network as well as a very competitive rail network. Granted Irish Rail is a far stretch better than Amtrak but coverage is poor.

meathstevie

Overheal wrote: »

I assume blind that Berlin has a passable Subway network as well as a very competitive rail network. Granted Irish Rail is a far stretch better than Amtrak but coverage is poor.

And not to forget madly expensive compared to continental state owned railway companies. If Jo'D would have had to travel by rail someone would have had a right job in hand finding an old Orient Express first class carraige to his liking.

lmimmfn

meathstevie wrote: »

And not to forget madly expensive compared to continental state owned railway companies. If Jo'D would have had to travel by rail someone would have had a right job in hand finding an old Orient Express first class carraige to his liking.

his expenses would probably have been doubled if he was using irish rail lol

Rebelheart

Rebelheart wrote: »

The Swedish model seemed the best

Mmmmmmm, they often do...;)