A Sinn Féin TD says it's 'bizarre' that any Dáil deputy would look for an allowance for working at home during the coronavirus crisis.
It has been reported that a small number of TDs have asked about money to buy laptops and other office supplies.
MPs in the UK have been granted a £10,000 remote working allowance by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
However, the Irish Examiner reports that the Houses of the Oireachtas - which would make such a decision here - is not considering the measure despite a small number of TDs raising the question.
The Houses of the Oireachtas have since insisted they've been approached by no member of Dáil Éireann 'regarding such an allowance' - reiterating that it is also not being considered.
Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy has said TDs should instead be considering a pay cut.
He said: "I find it bizarre that any TDs would be seeking additional allowances at this time.
"TDs, yes, are working from home - but TDs are also on their full salary and allowances at this time, which is something most of our constituents don't have the luxury of saying."
Deputy Carthy said his view is that TDs will be "expected and should be absolutely willing to" take a pay cut to contribute to the recovery as the country emerges from the current crisis.
Authorities in some other jurisdictions have announced plans for pay reductions due to the impact of COVID-19 on their countries.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today confirmed she and her ministers will take a 20% cut for six months in solidarity with those who have lost their jobs or been impacted financially by the current crisis.
Ms Ardern said: “I feel acutely the struggle many New Zealanders are facing and so too do the people I work with.
“While this cut in itself won’t shift the Government’s overall fiscal position it is an acknowledgement that every person and organisation has a part to play as we unite to stamp out COVID-19 and save lives."
