Vol. 428 No. 1
148 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the countries recently visited by him in connection with St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the countries visited by the Minister of State in his Department; the composition of the official party; and the total cost to the Exchequer in each case.
In my capacity as Minister for Finance in this State, I took part in the review of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York, United States of America. Three of my staff accompanied me; these were my private secretary, my Department's Press Officer and an executive officer from my private office. It is too early yet for my Department to have the full details of the costs involved but they are estimated to total £9,500.
None of the Ministers of State at my Department travelled out of the country in connection with St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
