Government should cut up credit cards

In a week in which the Central Bank issued a stern warning that people were becoming more reliant on credit to finance their spending, the Government could set an example by cutting back on its credit cards.

Astonishingly, there are 299 credit cards issued to ministers, officials and various luminaries.

Top of the league is the Department of Agriculture with an incredible 124 cards, whereas the Department of Education warrants only three. The Taoiseach's Department has 22.