Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
41. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the travel plans of Ministers have been finalised for Saint Patrick’s Day this year; the countries that each Minister will visit; and the expected cost of these trips. [8849/13]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland's economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, promotion and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. The programme of ministerial travel is drawn up by the Trade and Promotion Division of my Department in consultation with the Embassy network and the State agencies. The final programme is close to being concluded and will be announced in the coming days. In terms of the cost of ministerial visits for St. Patrick’s Day, the Department of each travelling Minister will be responsible for its own costs. This year, as with previous years, we have issued guidelines to the Embassy network to ensure visits are undertaken in the most cost-efficient way possible.
