Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
228. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform 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. [2649/24]
View answerIn my capacity as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I undertook two visits on official state business to Germany for St. Patrick's Day and the United States in November. A full breakdown of costs for myself and the officials who accompanied are outlined below:
|
Flight Costs |
Le Meridien |
Hotel Berlin |
Recouped from Eurogroup |
||
|
Germany 15-18 Mar |
Minister |
€218.20 |
€400 per night |
€180 per night |
Yes |
|
Private Secretary |
€218.20 |
€400 per night |
€180 per night |
||
|
Special Adviser |
€218.20 |
€400 per night |
€180 per night |
||
|
Secretary General |
€480.47 |
€400 per night |
€180 per night |
||
|
Flight Costs |
Dupont Circle |
Fitzpatricks |
Recouped from Eurogroup |
||
|
USA 28 Nov - 1 Dec |
Minister |
€4,250.88 |
€192.79 per night |
€328.64 per night |
Yet to be recouped - waiting on final invoice |
|
Private Secretary |
€967.58 |
€192.79 per night |
€328.64 per night |
||
|
Special Adviser |
€937.85 |
€192.79 per night |
€328.64 per night |
||
|
Secretary General |
€937.85 |
€192.79 per night |
€328.64 per night |
I would note that I undertook some elements of both programmes in my capacity as President of the Eurogroup. As such, the costs of both visits for myself were recouped from the European Council.
