I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 26 March 1996 giving, inter alia, details of my overseas commitments during the period 1 January 1996 to 25 March 1996.
Details of my official commitments during the period 26 March to 30 June 1996 are as set out in the table below. During this period, I participated in 15 EU meetings at ministerial level, two Anglo Irish Conference meetings, and one Western European Union Ministerial. I accompanied President Robinson on two state visits and I undertook three official visits.
Costs are recouped from the European Union where appropriate or are met by receiving Governments in the case of bilateral official visits. In so far as the recent trips are concerned, the precise costs arising to my Department for this period are not yet available.
Every effort continues to be made to keep costs of visits to a minimum consistent with the appropriate discharge of my responsibilities as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. In this context, the number of officials accompanying me is also kept to a minimum. A breakdown of the accompanying officials is given on the accompanying table. Normal Protocol arrangements apply in relation to the delegations for state and official visits.