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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ministerial Travel.

Phil Hogan

Question:

38 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the name of each person who travelled on the Government jet in connection with her visit to the United States in December 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10919/02]

Phil Hogan

Question:

45 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the purpose of her visit to the United States in December 2001; the total cost of the visit; the mode of transport used; the names and titles of the persons who travelled with her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10911/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 45 together.

I travelled to New York on 9 December 2001 to promote Ireland's largest international craft and gift fair, Showcase 2002, at the request of the Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The purpose of the visit was to promote Showcase 2002 among North American buyers. I returned to Ireland the following day, 10 December.

In 2001, 550 North American buyers visited Showcase 2002. Following the foot and mouth disease crisis last year and the atrocities of 11 September in the US it was felt that an even greater effort than usual was required to promote attendance at Showcase 2002, as it was feared that fewer Americans would travel to visit or to buy from Ireland.

In 2002, 485 North American buyers attended Showcase – down 12% on 2001. The quality of the buyer was reported to be high and the expec tation is that the revenue generated for Irish companies and the new products bought by the American shops will be similar to 2001, notwithstanding the reduction in the number of buyers attending.
The following people accompanied me on board the Government jet: Mr. Oliver O'Connor, special adviser; Ms Catherine Dardis, personal assistant; Ms Bridget Flynn, private secretary; Dr. Frances Ruane, chairperson, Crafts Council of Ireland; Ms Renagh Holohan, journalist,The Irish Times; Mr. Gerry O'Connor, journalist, INN; Mr. Gene McKenna, journalist, Irish Independent; and Ms Carol Coleman, journalist with RTE, joined the delegation in New York.
The total cost to the Exchequer of the trip was €28,145.84.
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