Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín Says Ceann Comhairle's €255k Salary Is "Crazy And Wrong"

Friday, 13 December 2024 08:53

By Martin Osborne

Since 2016, Fianna Fáil’s Seán Ó Fearghail has held the position of Ceann Comhairle.

Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín has strongly criticised the hefty salary associated with the Ceann Comhairle role in Dáil Éireann, calling it "crazy and wrong".

Tóibín, who represents Meath West, argued that the €255,000 salary attached to the position should be reduced and suggested introducing a limit of two terms for those who hold the office.

Currently, the salary for the Ceann Comhairle surpasses that of the Taoiseach.

The position includes a base salary of €113,679, with an additional allowance of €141,834.

As the presiding officer of the Dáil, the Ceann Comhairle is responsible for maintaining order during sessions.

The role is filled through a secret ballot of TDs at the beginning of each Dáil term, and the person elected is guaranteed re-election in the subsequent general election.

This is because the Ceann Comhairle must remain impartial, forfeiting the right to vote on legislation or engage in other Dáil business.

Since 2016, Fianna Fáil’s Seán Ó Fearghail has held the position of Ceann Comhairle.

As a result, he was automatically returned as a TD for Kildare South in this year’s general election.

Kfm reported yesterday how his hopes to return to the role could be dashed by Independent TD Verona Murphy.

The Wexford TD is set to be nominated when the Dail resumes next week.

That's despite outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, wanting the job again.

It's believed Ms Murphy is a viable candidate as part of a potential Government between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independents.

If elected, she would be the first female Ceann Comhairle.

Speaking to The Journal, Peadar Tóibín said: "There has to be an understanding amongst elected representatives of what is going on at kitchen tables around the country, in terms of how people are struggling to make ends meet."