Bertie's Office Rennovation’s Cost €220,000

A government agency, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has revealed it spent over €200,000 on renovating a new Daíl office for the former Taoiseach.

The office was refitted for Bertie Ahern to be his new workplace after relinquishing his post as Taoiseach and it’s associated office space.

However, the OPW has defended the cost, saying it was the current market rate. The OPW selected one of its buildings outside Leinster House to accommodate the former Fianna Fáil leader and spent €220,000 apparently renovating, cleaning, and supplying furniture.

The suite consists of an office for Deputy Ahern, one for his staff, a bathroom, a waiting room and a storage area.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahern will be attending a lavish gala dinner on Friday night in the prestigious Trinity College Dublin, where he will be presented with an award to mark his contribution to the peace process.

The accolade by Co-operation Ireland will be given to recognise Bertie's work to bring help peace to the island.

Also attending the function at Trinity College Dublin will be Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward, British Ambassador to Ireland David Reddaway and Government Chief Whip Pat Carey.

"The Co-operation Ireland Peace Award recognises our great debt to him for all of his efforts and the great leadership he demonstrated in negotiating the ground-breaking Good Friday and St Andrew’s agreements." said Co-operation Ireland Chairman Christopher Moran, who will present the award.

(DW)