The amount spent by parents on their child’s First Communion day entertainment has more than doubled over the past year while the children themselves are receiving slightly less cash but spending more of it, mostly on computer games.

Parents spent an average of €749 on their child’s First Communion, according to a survey of spending habits by Ulster Bank.

FINE GAEL last night accused the Government of launching a “sinister” bid to intimidate the Mahon Tribunal as seven ministers attacked the inquiry.