asked the Minister for Education the number of foreign trips undertaken by her, her Ministers of State and her staff in 1985; the destination, purpose and cost of each trip; and if she can estimate the cost of official trips in 1986.
Written Answers. - Expenditure on Foreign Travel.
107.
The number of trips abroad undertaken by me in 1985 was seven at a total cost of £9,190.84. The number of trips abroad by the Minister of State at my Department and by officials of the Department in 1985 was 228 at a total cost of £141,140.90.
The detail sought by the Deputy in relation to each trip could be compiled only by the expenditure of an inordinate amount of staff time which I do not consider justified. However, I would be happy to arrange that my Department would furnish him with such details in respect of a particular trip. The estimated cost of trips abroad in 1986, for which provision is made in the Estimates, is £152,000.