Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Ministerial Duties.

Ivor Callely

Question:

331 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare his official duties, if any, on St. Patrick's Day; the official duties, if any, of the Minister of State at his Department; if so, the duration of his duties and his visit; the number of people in his delegation; if he will give a list of those people; the total cost and related costs in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7940/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

I did not undertake any official duties on St. Patrick's Day this year. Accordingly, no costs related to St. Patrick's Day arise.

For most of the St. Patrick's Day period, i.e. from 14-16 March, I was participating in an EU Informal Council on Social Affairs, held in Rotterdam.

On St. Patrick's Day the Minister of State, Deputy Durkan, reviewed parades in Maynooth and Kilcock, County Kildare. No costs arise from this.