asked the Minister for External Affairs the length of time spent by him in the United States of America during 1960 and the total cost of such stay, including entertainments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's U.S.A. Visit.
40.
The length of my stay in the United States of America in 1960 was 95 days. The total cost, including entertainment expenditure as leader of the delegation to the fifteenth regular session of the United Nations General Assembly and the fulfilment of speaking engagements in Boston and Chicago was £1,862 15s. 4d.
Can the Minister give the House any idea as to what he was doing in the United States for 95 days? Can he satisfy the House that his long stay in the United States was warranted, in view of the fact that Ireland has a permanent representative in New York—Mr. Boland? Can the Minister make a statement on that matter?
I should like to know who is now the Irish chief delegate since Mr. Boland was made Chairman of the Assembly?
Mr. Boland is our permanent representative.
There is no substitute for him?
No.
Having regard to the fact that in the interests of economy, the Government saw fit to remove the food subsidies, are they satisfied that this money is being put to good use in sending a Minister on a holiday for 95 days at a cost of over £1,800 to the taxpayers? I think it is a disgrace.