Oireachtas is owed €70k for TDs’ food and drink

BOOZY TDs have run up Oireachtas bar and restaurant debts of almost €70,000, it has been revealed.

Deputies who retired or were kicked out of office at the February general election still owe nearly €8,000 in outstanding bills at the two drinking holes and one restaurant in Leinster House.

But Oireachtas authorities pledged taxpayers would not end up settling the tab for late-paying TDs — unless the deputy dies before clearing their bill.

Serving TDs had amassed outstanding bills of some €60,000 by the end of April, figures released under freedom of information showed.

A restaurant bill of €1,664 was left by one ex-deputy and another failed to settle a bar bill of €240.

Almost two-thirds of the 166 TDs have outstanding bills which range in value from €3.70 to as much as €3,716.

The bar debts of TDs and ex-deputies total €7,477, with the rest of the money owed to the restaurant.

An Oireachtas spokesperson insisted that both current and ex-deputies would be pursued for their debts.

“The Houses of the Oireachtas rigorously follows up any current or former Oireachtas members who may have outstanding bills in the Oireachtas bar or restaurant. It is not the practice for remaining amounts to be written off or paid for by the taxpayer.

“The only incidence where an outstanding bill might not be pursued is in the case of the death of a member or former member.

“From time to time, a credit facility for Oireachtas bar and restaurant is offered to members for reasons of convenience.

“In particular, this may occur when a member is hosting groups from their constituency. There are approximately 100,000 visitors to Leinster House each year and the majority of these visits are arranged and hosted by TDs and senators.

“The Oireachtas writes to relevant members to request payment of any outstanding bills on a monthly basis. There is further follow-up if the bill remains unpaid. This facility is available to former members.

“The majority of outstanding bills are settled in full in full at the end of each month,” the spokesperson said.