asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will give details of visits abroad by himself and each Minister of State attached to his Department during March 1984; the purpose of each visit; and the total estimated cost of all such visits.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Visits Abroad.
410.
The Minister for the Public Service is visiting Australia for approximately two weeks, including the St. Patrick's Day period. During the course of his visit, he will meet Prime Minister Hawke on St. Patrick's Day, other Government Ministers and public officials and will engage in a series of trade and tourism promotions such as launching the first Sydney Irish Week.
The Minister will also attend various functions in connection with St. Patrick's Day and will meet members of the Irish community in Australia. Discussions will also be held with the Australian authorities in the context of public service reform. As the visit is still in progress, it is not possible at this stage to compute the cost involved. There is no Minister of State attached to the Department of the Public Service.