MLAs' Expenses Claims Published

A Northern Ireland MLA who claimed at least £8,000 more than any other assembly member last year has defended his actions.

Pat Ramsey of the SDLP claimed expenses of £92,718 between April 2011 and March 2012.

He said his claims had been approved by Stormont's finance department and told the Belfast Telegraph: "I'm utilising it to provide a service and that's the bottom line."

The Foyle member's claims came to light in a list published of MLAs' expenses.

The second-highest claimer on the list was Ian McCrea of the DUP, who weighed in with a £85,044 expenses bill.

Mr McCrea represents Mid Ulster and it is worth noting both the top spenders come from well outside Belfast, pushing their travel costs up.

MLAs' motor mileage allowance stands at 45p per mile and 25p thereafter.

Expenses also cover office costs, childcare and temporary secretarial allowance.

Forty members had total expenses of more than £70,000, including 21 from the DUP, eight from the UUP, seven from the SDLP, three Sinn Fein MLAs and one from the Alliance Party.

Top 10 expenses claims:

£92,718 - Pat Ramsey, SDLP

£85,044 - Ian McCrea, DUP

£83,942 - Paul Givan, DUP

£81,828 - Thomas Buchanan, DUP

£81,773 - Jim Wells, DUP

£81,014 - Jonathan Craig, DUP

£80,683 - Mervyn Storey, DUP

£80,374 - John McCallister, UUP

£80,340 - Danny Kinahan, UUP

£80,276 - Dominic Bradley, SDLP

(NE)