A new TD accused the Oireachtas of a “disregard for the dignity” of his position in a furious email over the state of an office offered to him in Leinster House.
Independent Ireland’s Ken O’Flynn promised to pursue “further steps as necessary” if his request for better accommodation was not facilitated.
In a lengthy message to Leinster House management, Mr O’Flynn wrote of being shown an office in an “unacceptable state” with paint cans in one corner, no chairs available and unwanted items left behind by the previous occupants.
He wrote: “The office had clearly not been maintained with the level of care that is expected in an environment representing elected officials.”
Mr O’Flynn said the room he was shown displayed a “lack of professionalism” and needed to be adequately furnished and promptly cleaned “to meet the standards befitting an elected member of this esteemed House.”
The email was one of dozens of requests from TDs and Senators seeking new offices, furniture, and repairs since the general election.
Among the issues raised were disappearing furniture, the need for a recliner in a room, bad smells, soiled carpets, and a broken chaise longue.
On his dealings with the Oireachtas, Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn said the lack of preparation for the incoming Dáil had been “astonishing”.
He said: “Would you be satisfied if left six weeks without a computer, and nine weeks without the allocation of an office?
“It shouldn’t have to be such a challenge. Whether you’re a public servant or working in private industry in facilities management – preparation is your job.”