Most Senators have other sources of income

MOST SENATORS earn income from other sources in addition to their Seanad salary, according to the register of members’ interests.

Almost half the members of the outgoing Seanad who filed returns earn additional income as landlords, the 2010 register reveals.

Some 34 Senators disclosed other occupational income and two said they were on a State pension, out of the 58 who completed the register. A total of 28 members of the Upper House said they derived income from letting land or property. Nine Senators made a “nil” entry.

Senators are paid over €65,000 a year and qualify for allowances of up to €70,000. Last year, the Seanad sat for 97 days.

Many Senators boast multiple sources of income. Former Senator, now Independent TD, Shane Ross listed additional income as an author, journalist and broadcaster. He also declared shares in Bank of Ireland, Independent News and Media, National Toll Roads and SVM Global.

Mr Ross is also listed as director of an offshore fund, the Baring Hedge Fund, based in the Cayman Islands, as well as the Baring Hedge Fund in Luxembourg.

Labour’s Ivana Bacik is a barrister and lecturer, while Paschal Mooney is listed as a music publisher, landlord, broadcaster and journalist.

Former Fianna Fáil Senator Ivor Callely declares a house at 48 St David’s Wood in Artane, which is let, and an interest with others in 59/60 Clontarf Road, which he says is in receivership.

Senator Donie Cassidy’s business empire includes three hotels in Dublin, a number of music businesses and rental properties.

Kerry Senator Paul Coghlan owns commercial and domestic properties in Killarney, Tralee, Dublin, Galway, Waterford, Cork and the UK.

Labour Senator Dominic Hannigan, who describes himself as a consultant for Transport Strategies Ltd, owns properties in Drogheda, London and Italy. Mr Hannigan won a seat in the general election. Another successful candidate in the election, Labour’s Alex White, declared additional income as a barrister.