Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 2

Written Answers. - Ministerial Visits Abroad.

Bernard Allen

Question:

202 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of visits he has made abroad since taking up office; the destination, date, duration of these visits, the purpose of these visits; the number of officials and others who accompanied him; the airline used on each visit; and the overall cost of each visit.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I have made eight official visits abroad since taking up office. These are set out below, giving in respect of each visit, the following information: (a) date; (b) destination; (c) duration; (d) purpose of visit; (e) number in ministerial party; (f) airline used, and (g) overall cost.

1. (a) 7 February 1993; (b) Brussels; (c) one day; (d) meeting with EC Commissioners; (e) three officials; (f) Aer Lingus; (g) £3,040.

2. (a) 21 February 1993; (b) Boston, USA; (c) one day; (d) discussions with Digital re. their operation in Ireland; (e) three officials and the Mayor of Galway; (f) Government jet; (g) (excluding cost related to the Government jet).

3. (a) 13 March 1993; (b) United States; (c) four days; (d) IDA promotional tour — meetings with 16 major industries, in addition to Trade Centre and Chamber of Commerce contacts with over 70 prominent businessmen; (e) two officials and the Minister's spouse; (f) Aer Lingus and others; (g) costs met by the Industrial Development Authority.

4. (a) 19 March 1993; (b) Denmark; (c) two days; (d) EC Industry Ministers Informal meeting*; (e) three officials; (f) Aer Lingus and others; (g) £3,246.

5. (a) 23 May 1993; (b) London; (c) one day; (d) Meeting with British Ministers; (e) four officials; (f) Aer Lingus; (g) £2,446.

6. (a) 3 June 1993; (b) Geneva; (c) four days; (d) International Labour Organisation Conference; (e) one official and the Minister's spouse; (f) Aer Lingus and others; (g) £3,133.

7. (a) 8 July 1993; (b) London; (c) one day; (d) Anglo-Irish Conference; (e) four officials; (f) Aer Lingus; (g) £1,523 (estimated).

8. (a) 25 September 1993; (b) Japan; (c) seven days; (d) IDA/FÁS promotional visit to Japan; (e) three officials; (f) Aer Lingus and others; (g) not yet available.

* It should be noted that the expenses incurred in EC-related business are refunded to the State in whole or in part.