The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs reported annual expenses of €3.95 million for accommodating diplomats worldwide, which included €485,000 for a residence in Tokyo, alongside other significant costs for properties in cities like New York and San Francisco. Additional costs emerged from various high-priced hotel bills for state visits. Notably, the department also contributed €99,623 towards carbon offsetting, aligning with government policy to support climate initiatives since 2020. These financial disclosures reflect the scope of international diplomacy and associated costs for the Irish government.
The department confirmed it paid estate agency Knight Frank €522,394 in 2024 to cover just a single-year lease on the English property, which is home to ambassador Martin Fraser.
The colossal bill was part of at least €3.95m paid out last year in rental costs for residences for senior Irish diplomats across the globe.
To offset the carbon emissions of globe-trotting diplomatic staff, a sum of €99,623 was paid to the Government's climate action fund.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said this covered three separate delegations from Vietnam, South Africa, and China.
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