In a significant departure from the current expenses regime, however, Oireachtas members in the future may have to provide receipts to support all their claims.

The Oireachtas Commission, which runs the Dail and Seanad, confirmed last week that it is considering a consultants' report into the "rationalisation of the existing system of expenses and allowances for Oireachtas members."

As well as examining whether certain claims are relevant to the politician's job, the consultants also examine whether claims should be backed up by receipts. A spokeswoman for the commission said that it is now considering the report.

Expenses this year will total over 15m for the 166 TDs and 60 senators.

It is possible that some expenses will be cut, particularly for those who claim for trips which are largely about furthering their political aspirations rather than looking after the interests of their constituents.

It is also likely that TDs will have to wait for any extra payments until after the general election next year so as to avoid a public backlash. Dail deputies currently earn a basic salary of 96,000 a year on top of their expenses and allowances.

TDs in large five-seat constituencies in particular feel that the current system where politicians are allowed a set amount of unvouched travel expenses a year based on the size of the constituency does not compensate them for the amount of travel they end up doing.

But questions have also been raised as to whether TDs should be reimbursed for every journey they make, such as rallies, or meetings taking place outside their constituency which would be important for the individual TD's political career but not the TD's constituents.

The commission said that while it may be making recommendations in due course, ultimately it will be up to the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, to make the final decision on changes to the current expenses regime.