Since 19 October 1993, when I replied to a similar question, the Tánaiste and I were out of the country simultaneously on Government business on 12 occasions.
These included three meetings in London with the British Prime Minister, three European Council meetings in Brussels and one in Corfu.
Throughout these periods, both the Tánaiste and I remained in charge of, and in direct contact with, our Departments at all times. In accordance with long standing practice, it was not necessary to assign our duties and functions during our absence to other members of the Government.
As I stated when I took office, and reiterated in this House only last week, I intend, along with the Tánaiste and other Ministers, to promote increased trade, expand inward tourism and encourage international investment in Ireland by actively seeking out and addressing potential investors, on a personal basis where necessary. The year 1994 will be one of our most successful years for tourism, exports and inward investment, bringing with it 30,000 more people at work in the 12 months up to April 1994. There are now more people at work than at any time in the past 40 years. Getting foreign businesses to set up here cannot be achieved by a small peripheral nation like ours by simply sitting at home and waiting for the world to knock on our door. I make no apology for pursuing this strategy and I intend continuing to do so in the national interest.