According to a recent report published in the Mail on Sunday, it is understood the Irish Government is currently shelling out the hefty sum of €46,000 a month on a premises in Tokyo, for Ireland’s ambassador to Japan.
The report which states the Department of Foreign Affairs is actively seeking a more permanent solution, also found that the cost of the ambassador’s residence in the Japanese City cost more than double the price of any other property rented by the department last year.
The massive outlay which will surely anger the Irish taxpayer was spent on an apartment that apparently included access to a spa, swimming pool and gym facilities, a roof garden and a wine and port cellar.
The rather pricey pad was not the only outlay by the state as the rent for other high profile figures was also released under the Freedom of Information Act, The report also found that the government spends €20,870 on a an apartment for Ireland’s consul general in New York, whist the state paid €20,050 a month on the home of the ambassador to Singapore. Meanwhile the rent on an apartment in Geneva cost €15,925 a month.
In a brief statement addressing the massive outlays, the department said: “It always sought to ensure value for money in all its operations, in particular when signing rental agreements.”
“Precisely because rents are so high in Tokyo the department has been actively engaged in seeking alternatives to renting.”
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been reviewing its options in relation to Tokyo with a view to converting rental payments into a long-term asset for Ireland. ”