Details of president’s expenses branded ‘outrageous’ in senator’s scathing criticism

€172,000 was spent on photography, videography and other professional services this year, while travel and subsistence cost €128,000

President Michael D Higgins’ household staff, which includes a team of 18 chefs and caterers, cost taxpayers more than €1.1 million this year, according to the latest budget estimates.

New figures also show that the president spent €172,000 on professional services including photography and videography during 2023, as well as clocking up communications expenses of €85,000.

Presidential travel and subsistence expenses amounted to €128,000 this year, while miscellaneous expenses relating to “premises and accommodation” at Áras an Uachtaráin cost €4,000.

The costs have been described as “outrageous” by Senator Gerard Craughwell, who launched a scathing attack on the president, sarcastically referring to him as “the great socialist and defender of the marginalised”.

“When Michael D Higgins ran for the office of President of Ireland, he gave his word that he would only seek one term,” recalled Mr Craughwell.

“As we all now know, he adapted well to the trappings of the office and decided to contest for a second term.”

The independent senator called on Mr Higgins to publish details of contractors who have received funds from the office’s €225,000 budget for “professional, consultancy and other services”.

“Are these people selected through an open and transparent competition?” he asked.

In relation to the president’s €85,000 spend on communications, Mr Craughwell said “the mind boggles”.

“Given the fact that the president and his wife’s every utterance is reported widely in print, radio and TV, what on Earth does he pay for?

“The great socialist and defender of the marginalised is far removed from the poverty-stricken of this country,” he added. “God help them if he is their last line of advocacy.”

According to the latest budget estimates, the President’s Establishment cost taxpayers just over €3.5 million this year, and expenditure is expected to increase by five per cent next year.

A spokesman for Áras an Uachtaráin said there is “little discretionary spending” in the establishment because 65 per cent of next year’s budget relates to staff salaries.

The president’s household staff include an executive head chef, a chef, an assistant chef, a cook, and a catering and services captain. These are supported by 12 catering and services assistants, and one kitchen assistant.

They are in line for a four per cent pay rise next year as salaries, wages and allowances increase to €2.4 million, according to the budget estimates.

The spokesman pointed out that there was significant underspend in the expense categories referred to by Mr Craughwell. Some €104,000 was allocated for communications expenses this year, but the actual spend was €85,000.

Of the €225,000 allocated for professional, consultancy and other services, the actual spend was €172,000 and there were no consultancy costs, he said.

Just €4,000 of the president’s €9,000 premises and accommodation budget was spent this year, while €16,000 was spent on training and development out of a budget of €40,000.

Some €310,000 was earmarked for presidential travel and subsistence expenses in 2023, however, the actual spend was €128,000, according to the spokesman.