TDs should have to change their work practices in return for pay increases due under benchmarking, a Progressive Democrats TD said yesterday.
Ms Fiona O'Malley said the public deserved to see increased productivity from their elected representatives as part of the benchmarking process.
Unlike other public servants, TDs have not been required to make productivity concessions in return for benchmarking.
Dáil deputies qualified for a higher-than-average benchmarking increase of 11.7 per cent, because their pay is linked to that of principal officers in the Civil Service.
Having already been paid the first 25 per cent of the benchmarking increase, TDs currently receive a basic salary of €73,914.
Long-service increments, paid after seven and 10 years respectively, take the pay of some deputies to €76,272 and €78,627.
In common with principal officers, TDs qualify for a 3 per cent basic rise next January, as well as a further 50 per cent of the benchmarking increase.
Unlike the civil servants, however, they have not had to commit to any changes in work practices to qualify for the benchmarking money. TDs also receive significantly more expenses than principal officers.
Ms O'Malley said she was not aware of any group which would be measuring TDs' performance in advance of the next benchmarking increase.
Performance verification committees have been set up to scrutinise the work practice changes in the public service.
They are required to report on progress by December 1st, a month before the January instalment of benchmarking is due. There is no such process in place for members of the Oireachtas.
Ms O'Malley said the abolition of the dual mandate would release many TDs from council duty, providing an opportunity to extend the length of both the Dáil sessions and the Dáil week.
"In the current debate on benchmarking, with changes in work practices expected of all public sector workers, TDs must play their part," she said.
"This is a perfect opportunity for politicians to lead by example and earn their benchmarking increases."
The Dún Laoghaire TD said she had discussed the matter with her party leader, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, who agreed with her stance. She would be raising it at the next PD parliamentary party meeting.
Her call was supported by the Fine Gael frontbench member, Mr Simon Coveney. However, he said it was "a bit rich" coming from a Government party TD, who had supported the reduction in time which the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is required to spend in the Dáil.
