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NI's MPs claim £2m in allowances NI's MPs claim £2m in allowances
(30 minutes later)
Northern Ireland's 18 MPs claimed almost £2m in allowances last year, House of Commons figures have shown.Northern Ireland's 18 MPs claimed almost £2m in allowances last year, House of Commons figures have shown.
The 2005/06 payments show that, on average, Northern Ireland's MPs claimed just over £104,000 each.The 2005/06 payments show that, on average, Northern Ireland's MPs claimed just over £104,000 each.
The DUP's nine MPs claimed a total of just over £1.1m, while the SDLP's three representatives claimed £400,236.The DUP's nine MPs claimed a total of just over £1.1m, while the SDLP's three representatives claimed £400,236.
Sinn Fein's five MPs, who do not take their seats at Westminster, claimed more than £200,000. Lady Sylvia Hermon, the UUP's only MP, claimed £122,333.Sinn Fein's five MPs, who do not take their seats at Westminster, claimed more than £200,000. Lady Sylvia Hermon, the UUP's only MP, claimed £122,333.
DUP expenses Ian Paisley £125,670Peter Robinson £133,490Nigel Dodds £146,451Jeffrey Donaldson £152,722Iris Robinson £130,184Sammy Wilson £117,199David Simpson £96,389Gregory Campbell £139,014William McCrea £106,238
Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP's MP for Lagan Valley, claimed the most in allowances with a figure of £152,722.Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP's MP for Lagan Valley, claimed the most in allowances with a figure of £152,722.
Out of Northern Ireland's MPs who sit at Westminster, DUP Upper Bann MP David Simpson claimed the least expenses with a figure of £96,389.Out of Northern Ireland's MPs who sit at Westminster, DUP Upper Bann MP David Simpson claimed the least expenses with a figure of £96,389.
Sinn Fein expenses Gerry Adams £46,251Martin McGuinness £42,613Michelle Gildernew £40,898Conor Murphy £38,910Pat Doherty £38,049
MPs are paid a basic salary of £59,686 and a pension. Their allowances include office staffing costs and travel.MPs are paid a basic salary of £59,686 and a pension. Their allowances include office staffing costs and travel.
The total cost of all of the UK MPs' expenses came to almost £86.8m, an increase of nearly £6m on the previous year.The total cost of all of the UK MPs' expenses came to almost £86.8m, an increase of nearly £6m on the previous year.
Staff SDLP expenses Mark Durkan £130,294Alasdair McDonnell £142,304Eddie McGrady £127,638
The average UK expenses claim for 2005/06 came to about £131,000 per MP.The average UK expenses claim for 2005/06 came to about £131,000 per MP.
Up to £87,276 is available for salaries for researchers, secretaries and other staff.Up to £87,276 is available for salaries for researchers, secretaries and other staff.
Other allowances can be claimed for travel on parliamentary business, office costs, stationery, postage and computer equipment.Other allowances can be claimed for travel on parliamentary business, office costs, stationery, postage and computer equipment.
MPs representing constituencies outside central London can claim about £20,000 for the cost of staying near Parliament.MPs representing constituencies outside central London can claim about £20,000 for the cost of staying near Parliament.