I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 164, inclusive, together.
St. 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 that 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.
In terms of the cost of Ministerial visits for Saint 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 that visits are undertaken in the most cost efficient way possible. The overall programme of Ministerial travel is based on recommendations made by the Trade and Promotion Division of my Department in consultation with the Embassy network and State agencies. The programme was released on 17 February. The programmes and duration for each Ministerial visit are currently being finalised by the Embassy network, State agencies and relevant Minister’s Departments. It is not proposed currently that a Minister would attend St Patrick’s Day events in Northern Ireland in 2014. This is a matter which can be kept under review, in particular in the light of specific invitations Ministers may receive to appropriate events in Northern Ireland in subsequent years.