The taxpayer has spent almost €1m on office stationery and printing jobs for TDs.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) show some TDs spending five-figure sums to print the likes of newsletters, business cards, and even sympathy cards.

Although TDs and Senators already get allowances to cover the costs of running their offices, they are also allowed to get printing jobs done on the printing presses at Leinster House at no cost to themselves.

And figures show that since the last election, Oireachtas members have spent just under €1m on various printing jobs with the taxpayer footing the bill.

Almost every single member has availed of the facility - but some do so more often than others.

Terence Flanagan of the Reform Alliance is the highest user, with his work costing more than €22,000.

He is followed by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who has spent more than €16,000.

The figures also show politicians spending over €2,000 of public funds to print sympathy cards to send to constituents.

While one TD, Mary Mitchell-O'Connor of Fine Gael, has ordered 150 cards for people who she hopes will get well soon.