TDs may have to use pre-paid charge cards in Dáil bar

It was recently revealed that a tab of almost €70,000 had been run up between the Dáil bar and restaurants.

RECENT REVELATIONS ABOUT an unpaid bar and restaurant tab worth almost €70,000 in the Dáil could mean that TDs will be supplied with charge cards to avoid racking up bills.

The outstanding tab at the bar and Leinster House restaurants has mostly been incurred by current members, although €8,000 of it is owed by those who failed to get re-elected.

A statement released a the time of the revelations from the Oireachtas said that the outstanding money is being repaid and that the €68,000 bill has already been significantly reduced. A credit facility is provided for members, and the restaurant regularly plays host to visiting groups and organisations.

The Irish Dail Mail (print edition) reports today that charge cards could be introduced in Leinster House, with Independent TD Finian McGrath calling the tab an ‘absolute disgrace’. He said that while most TDs pay off their debts with a couple of days “it’s not right that some are lagging behind”.

Oireachtas insists: public won’t foot the bill for Dáil bar tabs>

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