asked the Minister for Education if he will state, in respect of each journey abroad undertaken by him since assuming office, and paid for wholly or partly out of public funds, (i) the dates covered by the journey; (ii) the destination or destinations, including intermediate stops; (iii) the purpose of the journey; (iv) if he was accompanied by any members of his family; and (v) the total cost to public funds.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Journeys Abroad.
503.
The information in respect of the period to 20 October, 1978 is as follows: Period to 31/12/77—
(a) (i) Dates: 9-18/10/77; (ii) Destinations: New York and Washington; (iii) Purpose: Opening of Exhibition of Treasures of Ireland in New York; (iv) Accompanied by Mrs. Wilson, in connection with the official function; (v) Estimated cost to public funds £1,300.
(b) (i) Dates: 2-3/12/77; (ii) Destination: Birmingham; (iii) Purpose: Function at one of the Irish Centres; (iv) —; (v) Cost to public funds: £53.
Period 1-1-78 to 20 October, 1978; (a) (i) Dates: 19-27/2/78; (ii) Destination: San Francisco and New York; (iii) Purpose: Opening of Exhibition of Treasures of Ireland in Washington; (iv) — ; (v) Estimated cost to public funds: £460.
(b) (i) Dates: 16-18/3/78; (ii) Destination: London; (iii) Purpose: Functions in connection with St. Patrick's Day; (iv) — ; (v) Estimated cost to public funds: £270.