Taoiseach’s department bought 30 armchairs for €9k

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has defended details of his office’s €17m spend last year which includes funds spent on everything from presents for visiting dignitaries to toilet cleaner.

Mr Kenny’s spokesman said the department’s spend was down 13% compared to the previous year.

The €17.6m included large bills paid out for the staging of US President Barack Obama’s address at College Green in Dublin (€558,934), 30 armchairs for a department room (€8,929) and a carpet for another government room (€9,377).