Katherine Zappone stands to receive an additional €80,000 in tax-free travel and accommodation expenses over the next five years (Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland)

KATHERINE ZAPPONE, an independent TD for Dublin South West, stands to receive an additional €80,000 in tax-free travel and accommodation expenses over the next five years on the basis that she lives more than 25km from Leinster House. However, AA Route Planner suggests her home is less than 22km from Kildare Street.

Zappone, who is being tipped as a possible minister in the next government after voting for Enda Kenny as taoiseach earlier this month, lives in Glenaraneen, near Brittas, Co Dublin. AA Route Planner suggests the distance to Kildare Street is 21.27km.

During her time in the Seanad, Zappone was paid expenses on the basis that she lived further than 25km from Leinster House. It is understood she has submitted documentation to the Oireachtas