Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 3

Written Answers. - Visit of Nigerian Delegation.

Phil Hogan

Question:

90 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total detailed expenditure associated with the visit of the President of Nigeria to Ireland during the summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22073/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paid a State visit to Ireland from 28-29 June. The President was accompanied by his wife, Stella Obasanjo, Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Science and Technology, Education and Power and Steel, the national security advisor and a delegation of approximately 40 persons. The President and his official delegation were accommodated in the State guesthouse at Farmleigh. The costs for the visit were largely borne by my Department. Costs were also incurred by the Department of the Taoiseach and the Office of Public Works. The costs of the Garda operation are not available. The expenditure for the visit is detailed in the following table:

Cost of Nigerian State Visit

Accommodation
Farmleigh	€30,131.40
Catering
State dinner in Dublin Castle	€13,885.31
Government lunch in Iveagh House	€6,720.75
Lunch for Ministers hosted by Minister of State, Deputy Kitt	€1,226.70
Course call on Taoiseach at Government Buildings	€106.40
Lunch for media	€112.50
Flower Arrangements
Government Buildings, Dublin Castle, Iveagh House, Farmleigh	€8,748.63
Transport
Vehicles	€18,791.15
Accreditation
Badges	€2,743.86
Gifts
President Obasanjo	€888.82
Rest of delegation	€639.95
Photo album	€987.21
Printing Costs
Official booklets	€2,405.34
Menus for Government lunch	€746.57
Official photography	€1,681.03
Entertainment State Dinner
Stage dressing	€302.50
Entertainers	€2,000.00
Harpist	€150.00
Miscellaneous
VIP facilities Dublin Airport	€460.91
Formal wear hire	€435
Flags	€261
Taxi fare	€24
Total	€93,449.03