asked the Minister for Education if she will state in respect of visits abroad by herself and the Ministers of State attached to her Department between 1 March and 20 March, on business other than official EEC business, by whom they were accompanied on each such visit; and the cost to the State, including air fare, accommodation and expenses of each such person.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Visits Abroad.
52.
As Minister for Education I made one visit abroad, on other than official EEC business, between 1 March and 20 March when I represented the Government at St. Patrick's Day celebrations in London. I was accompanied by my husband. The cost to the State in respect of my husband is estimated at £180.
The Minister of State at my Department was not engaged on any visits abroad during the period 1 March-20 March.
112.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will state in respect of visits abroad by himself and the Ministers of State attached to his Department between 1 March and 20 March, on business other than official EEC business, by whom they were accompanied on each such visit; and the cost to the State, including air fare, accommodation and expenses of each such person.
I visited the United States on official business in the period in question on my own.
The Minister of State at my Department is at present visiting the United States also on official business. He is accompanied by his wife. It is not possible at this stage to indicate the cost involved.
113.
asked the Minister for Energy if he will state in respect of visits abroad by himself and the Ministers of State attached to his Department between 1 March and 20 March, on business other than official EEC business, by whom they were accompanied on each such visit; and the cost to the State, including air fare, accommodation and expenses of each such person.
From 1 to 12 March, 1984, I participated in an IDA industrial promotion tour in the United States.
I was accompanied by my wife, three officials and one IDA official. Apart from costs paid by the IDA, the costs to the State were £667 in respect of my own expenses and an estimated £1,800 in respect of the three officials.
The Minister of State made no trips abroad which were of cost to my Department.
144.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will state in respect of visits abroad by himself and the Ministers of State attached to his Department between 1 March and 20 March, on business other than official EEC business, by whom they were accompanied on each such visit; and the cost to the State, including air fare, accommodation and expenses of each such person.
I undertook only one journey during the period which was not on official EEC business, namely my visit to Britain from 15 to 18 March. I was accompanied by my wife on this journey and by three civil servants — one for the first day only.
All the bills arising in connection with this visit have not been presented yet. It is not possible, therefore, to put an exact figure on the cost of the persons who accompanied me. However, my estimate of the cost is £1,700, approximately.
339.
asked the Minister for Communications in respect of visits abroad by himself and any Minister of State attached to his Department between 1 March and 20 March, on business other than official EEC business, by whom they were accompanied on each such visit; and the cost to the State, including air fare, accommodation and expenses of each such person.
No such visits were made by the Minister for Communications or Minister of State attached to his Department during the period in question.
375.
asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of visits abroad by himself and the Ministers of State attached to his Department between 1 March and 20 March, on business other than official EEC business, by whom they were accompanied on each such visit; and the cost to the State, including air fare, accommodation and expenses of each such person.
On his recent visit to the USA, Mr. John Donnellan, TD, Minister of State, was accompanied by his wife.
No portion of the cost of Mrs. Donnellan's visit is a charge on State funds.