Taxpayers foot the bill for EU presidency costs

Chauffeur-driven vehicles, luxury hotels, and tens of thousands of mementoes — just some of the things the taxpayer will be forking out for during Ireland’s €60m hosting of the EU presidency from next January.

As the country braces itself for a tough budget, the Government is hiring lavish chauffeur services and reserving plush hotels accommodation for visiting EU delegates.

And, contracts worth about €200,000 have been agreed for specially made scarves and neck ties for the VIP guests.

With more than 15,000 officials expected to visit over the six-month term, no expense is being spared to showcase Ireland and make foreign ministers and their entourages welcome.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has agreed contracts with the five-star Westbury Hotel, off Grafton St, and the four-star Herbert Park Hotel in Ballsbridge to put up visiting delegations.

The department did not say how much would be spent on accommodation or chauffeur services, despite agreeing tenders with the two hotels and five chauffeur firms.

Up to 180 meetings will take place and the department said it will pay for rooms for at least 11 of these, and accommodation for heads of delegations from EU member and applicant countries.

Merchandise is also being bought for visiting ministers, officials, and EU journalists, including thousands of tote bags and USB keys.

A spokeswoman for the presidency said: “In relation to contracts for goods and services for Ireland’s presidency of the council of the EU, the range of items has been very much scaled back on Ireland’s previous presidencies.”