A Laois-Offaly TD has been appointed to the role.
The new chairman of the Public Accounts Committee will take a pay increase, despite indicating he and his colleagues may look into salary raises given to three super junior ministers.
Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley will receive a €9,000 allowance, which is taxable, while junior ministers with a seat at the cabinet table are getting a €16,000 bump.
The Sinn Féin deputy is defending the move:
Westmeath Business Listed As Finalist For Sustainability Award
DPD Ireland is based in Athlone and is up for an award for Business & Finance ESG Awards.
It's High Time For Neutrality Referendum In Ireland - Ciaran Mullooly
European Parliament voted unanimously to increase the EU's spending.
Offaly Gardaí Searching For Generator Owner After Multiple Burglary Arrests
A number of arrests have been made as part of Operation Thor.
Westmeath Street Light Issues Need Government Funding - Sinn Fein
Kinnegad Councillor David Jones says community events will be affected if nothing is done.
Controversy With Midlands Companies Enquiring About Salaries In Job Interviews
A ban is set to be implemented to employers asking the question.
25% Rise In Midlands Dwelling Units
The latest CSO figures showcased the rise.
Carlow Fire Service To Advance Technology Warning Drivers
The navigation apps will alert people of emergencies.
Laois Food Wholesaler Closed Down Over Rodent Droppings And Mouse Carcasses
The HSE issued the closure order at the end of last month.
STEM Education Is The Hot Ticket For Career Prospects
Over 8 out of every 10 tech firms are struggling to hire.
Michael Healy Rae Challenges Westmeath Reps To Lobby Over Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
The Kerry TD is worried over planned cuts to the air ambulance service which has a base in Athlone.
Irish Cancer Society Roadshow Comes To Offaly Shopping Centre
Tullamore's Bridge Centre Shopping Centre will host free health checks as part of the roadshow.
Decision Due on Laois Housing Development Today
The application is for 34 homes in Ballylinan.
Revenue Seize Over €1.4m of Contraband in The Midlands, Dublin and Rosslare
Around 10kg of herbal cannabis was seized by officers in the Midlands and Dublin.
Offaly Quantity Surveyor On Revenue Tax Defaulters List
Revenue have published a new list of tax defaulters.
Offaly Councillor Wants Approved Housing Bodies To "Take Pressure Off" Local Authority
Councillor and auctioneer John Leahy is concerned about the cost of the county's housing expansion.
Missing Offaly Man Found Safe And Well
He is missing since Friday.
Town Centre First Policy Meeting To Be Held In Westmeath This Week
The aim of the scheme is to boost the towns.
Westmeath Butchers To Close Doors For Final Time
Shane Maher Butchers in Moate is to close on March 29th and has won Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards.
Ireland Doesn't Need To Follow US In Creating New Departments-Brian Stanley
The Laois TD believes it's unnecessary and thinks existing departments need to improve efficiency.
Irish Honey Bee Under Threat Of Extinction
The future of the honey bee was discussed last weekend in Athlone.
