It is estimated that a total of over €560,000 was paid to TDs in Travel and Accommodation Allowance (TAA) expenses for December 2024.

The Dáil sat once in the month, on December 18, 2024 to elect the Ceann Comhairle, and did not sit again until Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Prior to his appointment as a junior minister, the Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae received €4,478.75 in TAA.

TAA rates are based on the distance from the TD's normal place of residence to Leinster House by the shortest practicable route.

The Kerry TD's residence is between 330km - 360km from Leinster House. Subsequently, he was entitled to €33,395 per year in TAA expenses.

However, since Minister Healy-Rae is now an office holder, he is now entitled to €31,731 per year.

The TAA is calculated on the basis of 150 days attendance at Leinster House. However, they must register their attendance in Leinster House for at least 120 days annually to retain the full allowance. A deduction of 1% of the TAA allowance is made for each day less than 120 days attended at the end of the year or relevant period.

All office holders, including the former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, received €1,333.33 in expenses during December 2024.

The current salary for TDs is €113,679. Senior ministers are entitled to a further €92,938 per year, while junior ministers receive an extra €45,846.

All members of Dáil Éireann are entitled to up to €34,065 TAA. Cabinet ministers, including the super junior ministers, can also avail of a further €16,000 per year through the public representation allowance (PRA).

Before expenses, the annual salary for the Taoiseach is expected to be €243,895, with the Tánaiste receiving a salary in the region of €224,973. Senior ministers in the cabinet may each earn €206,617 per year.

The total cost of ministerial salaries will come to an estimated €6,823,964 plus expenses.