asked the Taoiseach the periods from 18th September, 1959 to 10th June, 1960 during which the Attorney General has been absent from Ireland, the duration of such absences, and the purpose of each such absence; whether the expenses of any such absences were defrayed out of public funds, and, if so, how much such expenses amounted to; and whether his authority was delegated to any person during his absence, and, if so, to whom
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Absences of Attorney General from Ireland.
1.
Between 18th September, 1959, and 10th June, 1960, the Attorney General was absent from Ireland for the purpose of attending the Second Conference on the Law of the Sea at Geneva and a preliminary meeting at Strasbourg with the President of the Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights. He was absent at Geneva from 15th March to 2nd April and from 5th to 28th April. The cost to public funds of his attendance there was about £350. On 10th June in answer to a Question in this House I gave particulars relating to the Attorney General's trip to Strasbourg.
The answer to the final part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. During the Attorney General's absences abroad he remained in touch with his office and gave instructions when sought.