Probe urged as Hogan resides at luxury Rio hotel

An investigation into how much of taxpayers’ money is lavished on hotel rooms for ministers was demanded after it emerged Phil Hogan is staying at a sumptuous Rio hotel for a global warming summit.

Mr Hogan jetted off to South America yesterday amid a chorus of criticism from opposition deputies.

The environment minister — who has been at the centre of controversies surrounding the introduction of the household tax and confusion over proposed water metering — insisted the hotel had been chosen for him by the Brazilian government.