Dáil bar bills settled at end of each month

YOUR article “TDs and Senators owe Dáil bar €1,800” (May 5, 2010), suggesting that public representatives are “continuing to socialise at the taxpayers’ expense” is selective and misleading. The information with which your reporter was provided under FoI provides a snapshot of the money owed by Oireachtas Members to the Dáil bar at a given time.

In fact, bills are settled in full at the end of each month or shortly thereafter. This facility is for convenience and is usually used to allow members to purchase light refreshments and snacks when they host visitors to Leinster House.

The vast majority of the 100,000 people who visit Leinster House annually are there at the invitation of their local representatives. Nor does the amount outstanding relate solely to drinks as suggested by your article as the bar also sells food and snacks.

Finally, I wish to clarify that there are no “Oireachtas subsidies” for food or drink sold in the Houses of the Oireachtas restaurants and bar. The cost of food and drink reflects the fact that overhead costs such as utility bills fall under the central bill for the Houses of the Oireachtas complex.

Of course, the same misleading stories are trotted out regularly. Maybe this particular story can include the facts next time around.

Mark Mulqueen

Head of Communications

Houses of the Oireachtas

Phoenix House

Leinster Street

Dublin 2