We have had the debacle of the Government's bicycle shed, its security hut, the doubling of costs for modular homes, €9 million for phone pouches and, of course, the mind-blowing cost overruns for the national children's hospital. The list goes on and on. We discover now, however, that over six months the Government has spent almost €500,000 of the people's money on private jets to meetings in Europe.

A latter-day emperor.

That, to me, is an astonishing sum over such a short period of time. Can the Taoiseach please give us some response as to how that represents value for money? That is €500,000 on travel for the Taoiseach on private jets. Even by the standards of Fine Gael, that is certainly extravagant and self-indulgent at a time when students, families and workers are struggling. How does the Taoiseach justify such wastage and extravagance on himself?

He is an emperor.

The Taoiseach, please.

Of course, my travel arrangements are the same travel arrangements that have been in place for taoisigh for many years.

That is not an answer.

No.

There is no justification.

It would be the same if you were there.