The Department of Foreign Affairs has recently disclosed an expenditure of nearly €117,000 for VIP platinum services at Dublin Airport over the past eighteen months. This expenditure was allotted for various VIP arrivals and departures. A portion of these expenses was dedicated to the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden in April.

Government agencies were dealing with high-profile international visits and diplomatic protocol to ensure a secure experience for dignitaries and foreign leaders traveling through the airport. This suggests that they negotiated discounted or special pricing arrangements for these services, which helped offset some of the costs associated with the VIP Treatment.

Dublin Airport provides high-level personalized treatment, including check-in and security procedures. Additionally, it offers exclusive amenities such as relaxation suites and access to drinks and dining options. It was designed to enhance the travel experience for VIP foreign dignitaries and government officials, ensuring their comfort and security during their time at the airport.

Two separate bills totaling €8,778 have been documented in welcoming President Joe Biden and his entourage to Ireland earlier in the year. The cost of 44 different passenger records that were released under FOI. The bill was run up on the high-level visit of Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in March this year. The cost was €8,778. When Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited the previous year in September, the bill resulted in €5,961, along with other sizable bills for the visit of Maltese President Dr. George Vella in February.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the platinum service at Dublin Airport is for official visits and for welcome and farewell purposes. This aligns with international standards of protocol practice as well as serving an operational purpose. Swift transit through the airport also ensures foreign dignitaries adhere to their programs in Ireland.

-Uttara Singh Chauhan