SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has criticised First Minister Michelle O'Neill over the use of taxpayer funds by Executive Ministers for stays in five-star hotels during overseas trips.

The criticism follows media reports revealing that nearly £220,000 has been spent on overseas travel by Ministers and their staff over the past year. During Assembly questions, First Minister O'Neill did not confirm whether she had personally stayed in any five-star establishments since assuming her role.

Mr O'Toole, South Belfast MLA, expressed his concern: "The public have a right to know how their money is being spent – particularly when it comes from an Executive that pleads poverty at every opportunity. Revelations that some Ministers are racking up thousands in hotel bills at five-star establishments are hard to stomach, with this Executive claiming it doesn't have the money to spend £5,000 pedestrianising Hill Street in Belfast." He acknowledged the need for suitable accommodation but questioned the justification for high-end stays. "Nobody expects Stormont Ministers to stay in poor quality accommodation, but the costs that have been incurred by Ministers and staff staying in high-end establishments from Singapore to Berlin are impossible to justify. International travel and advocating for this place is a key part of many Minister's roles, but how can the public accept these costs from the same people who tell them there's no money to help pensioners heat their homes or to mitigate welfare cuts."

Mr O'Toole cited specific examples, including a Sinn Féin Economy Minister's stay at the Willard Intercontinental in Washington DC, which cost nearly £6,000, and substantial travel expenses incurred by the Communities Minister, including five-star hotel stays, despite not having primary responsibility for international relations.

He also challenged the First Minister's response. "It's absurd gaslighting for the First Minister to say she has no idea if she has ever stayed in a five-star hotel during an overseas trip. She told me today that she believes it's important to be prudent with public money, well these figures show that isn't the case at the minute. She is the leader of this Executive and if she truly believes that I ask her what is she going to do about it? We can't have Ministers swanning around the world and staying in opulent hotels at a time when our public services are in ruin and families are finding things increasingly more difficult."

The SDLP is calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding the use of public funds for ministerial travel and accommodation.