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Bertie Ahern's renovated office remains empty

Bertie Ahern - Renovation of office in 2008 cost €220,000
Bertie Ahern - Renovation of office in 2008 cost €220,000

An Oireachtas spokesman has said it will be a number of weeks before a decision is made on what to do with the Dáil office that was used by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for the last three years.

The office space, which is located outside Leinster House, caused controversy when it was revealed in 2008 that €220,000 was spent renovating and fitting it out.

The suite has remained unoccupied since the new formation of the new Dáil, as Mr Ahern did not contest the election.

The spokesman said the Houses of the Oireachtas are currently in the process of 'reshuffling and reallocating offices at the moment'.

He said decisions on what to do with the office will be made after the Seanad elections, which will be held in late April.

The suite consists of two offices, a bathroom, a waiting room and a storage area.

Mr Ahern moved into the space when he stood down as Taoiseach.

The Office of Public Works defended the costs of the refitting at the time and said it represented the current market rate.