Efforts to end unpaid Dáil tabs

TDs and senators are to be blocked from running up tabs in the Dáil bar and restaurant unless they authorise their credit cards or arrange for salary deductions.

A new policy to stop politicians running up bills that never get paid is to be introduced by the end of the month.

It is designed to ensure there is no repeat of last year’s write-off of €5,500 in unpaid bills, including a case in which one former politician owed €943.