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.