Outrage Over Embassy Millions

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has jumped to the defence of a decision to refurbish the Ottawa residence of the Irish ambassador to Canada at a cost of €4.4 million.

Fine Gael revealed today that the taxpayer had paid more than €4.4m to revamp the embassy, calling the venture "outrageous".

Fine Gael Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Billy Timmins said this morning he had uncovered the information that showed the 24,000 foot residence was revamped with public funds to include a jacuzzi, sauna and a chandelier that cost €20,000.

"With the country mired in recession, there is no way this outrageous spend can be justified," Mr Timmins said.

He added: “Those bearing the brunt of the recession at home are entitled to feel infuriated at the Government’s decision to prioritise funding for a "palace" over special needs assistants, hospital wards and social welfare payments. Minister Martin must spell-out exactly why he thinks the Ambassador needs a jacuzzi but schoolchildren at home are left in prefabs, why a sauna is essential in Ottawa but wards aren't in Irish hospital and why it's ok to purchase a chandelier at a cost of €20,000 but cleaners in his own Department must take a pay cut.

"This is nothing less than an insult to every single taxpayer."

However, speaking on RTÉ Radio soon after the revelation, Minister Martin said it was important that Ireland be properly represented overseas.

He described the amount spent as a 'very significant sum of money' but said foreign embassies played a key role in winning inward investment and in supporting the work of Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.

(DW/BMcC)