Current and former TDs and Senators owe close on €70,000 in bar and restaurant costs, it has emerged.
Members of the Oireachtas elected to the Dáil and Seanad this year account for unpaid bills of €60,000, while former members owe a total of €8,000.
An Oireachtas spokesman said today that from time to time, a credit facility for the Oireachtas bar and restaurant was offered to members for reasons of convenience.
Approximately 100,000 people visited Leinster House annually, and the majority of the visits were hosted by TDs and Senators.
The spokesman said the majority of outstanding bills were settled in full at the end of each calendar month. He added that there were no direct subsidies for food and drink sold in the Oireachtas restaurants and bar.
