Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
10. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of times that he embarked on visits to foreign countries on behalf of the State since the formation of the Government; the geographical location of each visit; the number of days that he spent abroad on such trips; the dates upon which each trip took place; and the associated travel and accommodation costs which were incurred by his Department in relation to each trip in tabular form. [40053/22]
View answerAs Taoiseach, I regularly travel to participate in formal and informal meetings of the European Council, in Brussels and elsewhere. In keeping with the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy, I also place a high importance on engaging actively with fellow Heads of State and Government, both within the EU and more widely. I also use international visits to promote Ireland’s trade, culture, investment and enterprise interests, as well as to engage with Irish communities and to hear at first hand their experiences and concerns. On my visits I am usually accompanied by a small delegation, comprising senior officials/advisors and private office staff, according to the particular requirements of the programme.
Detailed information on foreign travel, including the destination and costs, for myself, advisers and senior officials who travel with me, are published on a monthly basis on my Department’s website under the heading Foreign Travel Reports at this link. Details of expenditure for recent trips will be published once invoices are received and processed for payment. All necessary expenditure on official travel is in line with my Department's Travel Policy which is based on guidelines laid down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department seeks at all times to ensure best value for money is sought in respect of each official trip undertaken, consistent with the requirements of official business.
