The recent visit to Ireland by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall served to
increase the international profile of Donegal and the North-West as a whole in terms of trade and tourism, while showcasing 21st century cross-border and British-Irish co-operation in the fields of education, science, business and environmental conservation. Particularly welcome was the emphasis on partnerships between counties Donegal and Derry, with representatives of the Derry and Strabane Council present at the civic reception. I know directly from my own engagement with the Derry Chamber of Commerce on the evening before the visit to Donegal how important the preservation and development of these links is to the region as a whole.
We are finalising the costs that will be charged to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These costs will cover items such as transport, official photography and the expenses associated with the presence in Donegal of officials of my Department (accommodation, overtime and subsistence). Once this material has been checked and paid, I will be happy to provide to the Deputy this information in tabular form.