44 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to placing a limit on the wages of elected public representatives in receipt of two or more salaries. [18705/04]

The legislation governing the pay of members of the Oireachtas, ministerial and parliamentary officeholders and Irish Members of the European Parliament does not place any restriction on the individuals concerned receiving another salary, either as a public representative or otherwise. I do not propose to introduce any such restriction. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2004 provides for the termination of the dual mandate for a person who is a member of either House of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament with effect from the next general election. Dual membership of either House of the Oireachtas and of a local authority was abolished under the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003.