Ivan Yates
Question:57 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Defence the total cost of ministerial trips from his Department's Vote in conjunction with St. Patrick's day celebrations throughout the world.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Trips.
Both I and the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Dempsey, visited Irish troops serving abroad with the United National on St. Patrick's Day. I visited our troops serving in Somalia and Minister of State Dempsey visited those serving in the Lebanon. Details of the costs involved in these visits are not yet available. When they become available I will have them furnished to the Deputy.
Ivan Yates
Question:58 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total cost of ministerial trips from his Department's Vote in conjunction with St. Patrick's day celebrations throughout the world.
In my capacity as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry I attended both the London Irish Club St. Patrick's day ball which took place on Saturday, 12 March and the Birmingham Irish Welfare and Information Centre St. Patrick's day banquet on Thursday, 17 March. The total cost of my visits to Great Britain is £1,700.05. Neither of the two Ministers of State in my Department travelled abroad for St. Patrick's day celebrations.