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AT LEAST 20 former and retired TDs have failed to return certain technology worth nearly €20,000 provided to them by the State.

The 20 former public representatives were required to return all such equipment given to them to perform their jobs within six weeks of the general election on 26 February.

However, data revealed to the Irish Examiner under a Freedom of Information request shows that three months later 29 pieces of technology including iPads, laptops, and other equipment valued at €19,845 has yet to be accounted for.

The Oireachtas ICT (Information and Communications Technology) unit generally makes arrangements to collect all such equipment in the aftermath of the Dáil’s dissolution.

It’s understood that a number of the TDs in question have now made arrangements to either return or purchase the equipment and that the ICT unit is still actively pursuing those who have yet to do so.

“The service is continuing to make arrangements for the return of the equipment, and a number of former members will be returning the devices when next in Dublin rather than requiring an engineer’s visit,” an Oireachtas spokesperson said today.

With regard to tablets, members may elect to purchase the devices by payment of the depreciated value of the device, subject to a minimum fee of €50.

If a collection appointment is missed a charge of €195 applies for a second appointment.

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The 20 TDs who have failed to return their equipment hail from four different parties, and include three former junior ministers.

The option is open for non-returning Dáil members to purchase the equipment they have been given, but this is not recommended by the ICT section given the individual in question must also purchase relevant software to access their data, software which costs €600.