Vol. 515 No. 1
2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the cost, if any, to the Government secretariat in his Department associated with holding Government meetings outside Government Buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2416/00]
The Government has had meetings recently in Ballaghderreen, County Roscommon, and at Knocknaheeny in Cork city. These meetings were planned in association with meetings between the Government and the regional assemblies and the regional consultative fora organised by the Department of Finance on the operational programmes being prepared under the national development plan.
The additional costs to the Government secretariat relating to the two Government meetings held as a result of this initiative are estimated to be modest, comprising mainly travel, the cost of refreshments and subsistence allowances paid for staff involved in planning and servicing the meetings. These costs have yet to be assessed but are expected to be in the region of £2,500 to £3,000 for each meeting.
The effort to undertake these regional Cabinet meetings has been worthwhile. This initiative was generally welcomed and I intend to have further such meetings in due course.
What was the outcome of the meeting with the two regional assemblies and with the regional consultative fora?
That is not the question tabled. I gave substantial information about that subsequent to the meeting.
Will the Taoiseach inform us of the outcome of the meetings several of his Ministers attended? Will he allay the fear among communities in Cork that he came, saw and got publicity but did not follow up on the important issues raised at the meeting in Cork?
The Deputy is not in touch with the people of Cork in regard to what he said.
Has there been a mutter of an answer?
