€20,000 spent on a chandelier while special needs assistants axed
 
The €4.4 million revamp of the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Ottawa, paid for by the taxpayer, is outrageous and unjustifiable according to Fine Gael Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Billy Timmins TD.
 
Deputy Timmins 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.
 
“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.”