These figures include the Minister's salary and expenses he claimed. His salary was €65,443.50 last year. This fell from €92,672.04 in 2012 and €89,965.02 in 2013.

In 2012, Coveney claimed €19,775 in expenses. He recieved €16,000 in 2013 and €9,333.31 last year.

The Minister's earnings are low in comparison to others. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Michael Kitt claimed €625,543.51, while Sinn Fein's Gerry Adam's took home €517,976.64. The Junior Minister for Agriculture Tom Hayes, who represents Tipperary South, claimed €487,211.77.

Minister for Rural Affairs State Ann Phelan, who is a Labour TD for Carlow–Kilkenny, earned €495,432.48 since her election in 2011.

Expenses are paid in two separate categories; the travel and accommodation allowance, and the public representation allowance. TDs do not have to sumbit a breakdown of their mileage claims.

Covering the period from March 2011 to July 2014, the figures do not include the extra salaries paid to the Minister as that money is paid by the Department of Agriculture. Over €100 million was spent in pay and expenses for politicians.