Fine Gael has seen spending on embassy buildings jump by €10million a year on their watch since 2014, the Irish Mirror can reveal.While the Government is refusing to build enough social and affordable houses many diplomats are living in the lap of luxury at the taxpayers’ expense.
Information provided to Ms Murphy shows that €24,100,000 was spent on buildings in 2014, €26,150,000 in 2015, €25,400,000 in 2016, €34,700,000 in 2017 and €32,400,000 last year. But it seems that only the best is good enough for our diplomatic corps, with our team of pampered ambassadors and consular staff enjoying some of the swankiest digs in some of the world’s capitals.
And in Rome, our ambassador lives in the historic Villa Spada on the Hill of Gianicolo, from where it overlooks the splendour of the Eternal City.