Labour criticises govt spending on entertainment

The Labour Party has criticised the Government for spending more than €2.5m on entertainment at a time of cutbacks in the areas of health and social welfare.

Reports this morning said the Government spent more than €2.5m on hospitality last year, with the Department of Foreign Affairs alone spending almost €800,000.

Labour spokesperson Joan Burton said this money could have been better spent elsewhere.

“I thinks it’s unacceptable to taxpayers who face long waits for medical services that they have to read in the newspaper about extravagant entertainment budgets by departments. I think ministers just need to get a political grip and manage departments properly,” she said.