Drink and food bill skyrockets on the Government jet

THE costs of keeping the Cabinet in the air have come under further scrutiny following the revelation that in-flight catering bills on the Government jet hit almost €100,000 last year.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act showed ministers and senior officials ate and drank their way through more than €85,000 worth of sandwiches, snacks, alcoholic drinks and beverages en route to meetings and official visits around the world.

The bill included €18,256 for drink and €1,264 for exclusive hand-made chocolates, which worked out at €1.60 for each individual serving of two chocolates in a presentation box. A further €5,000 was spent on hot towels and other hygiene products, and on toiletries that included aftershaves and perfumes.