Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
102. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of official flights and costs of same taken by him in 2023; if a schedule will be provided of all hotels he stayed in in 2023, including hotel name and cost per night while on official State business; and if the same information will be provided in respect of all accompanying staff and advisors. [2652/24]
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/advisers and private office staff, according to the particular requirements of the programme.
Detailed information on foreign travel including the destination and costs for me and for advisers and officials who travel with me are published on a monthly basis on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach under the heading Foreign Travel Reports and can be found at this link. Details of expenditure for trips is published once invoices are received and processed for payment, including costs associated with air travel and accommodation. Not all invoices for travel in 2023 have been received yet. All necessary expenditure on official travel is in line with the Department's Travel Policy which is based on guidelines laid down by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The Department seeks at all times to ensure value for money in respect of each official trip undertaken, consistent with the requirements of official business.
Details of flights taken on the Ministerial Air Transport Service can be accessed at this link.
