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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Ciara Phelan

Leo Varadkar defends Davos trip saying he flew commercial and stayed in four star hotel

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said he stayed in a four star hotel and flew on a commercial flight to attend the World Economic Forum after facing criticism in the Dail.

Mr Varadkar was asked by People Before Profit TD Mick Barry about his trip to Davos, in Switzerland where world leaders are attending to discuss a number of issues.

However, Mr Varadkar and the Taoiseach, who is currently in Davos, have faced criticism from some disgruntled TDs over the cost of the trip.

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People Before Profit TD Mick Barry asked Mr Varadkar in the Dail if he had done "a Eugene Murphy and slept in the back of your car" - a reference to the Fianna Fail Senator said he had slept in his car due to the high cost of hotel accommodation.

Mr Barry asked the Tanaiste: "So you are back from the luxury ski resort...So I am curious to know how much did the rooms cost in Davos this year?"

Mr Varadkar defended his trip and said he spent last Monday and Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

And said: "I flew commercial and stayed in a four star hotel and no doubt they charged for it."

“I think it is important we are represented.

“It gives us an opportunity to tell our story whether it is in relation to the [Northern Ireland] Protocol or in relation to what is happening in Northern Ireland or in relation to our own economy."

For those attending this week's summit the main talking points included Russia's invasion of Ukraine, threats to the global economy and investment shifts prompted by climate change.

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