Vol. 413 No. 9
193 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice if he hosted a reception in Newbridge House, Donabate, County Dublin, to celebrate the twinning of Swords with a town in France; if he will indicate (1) who paid for this reception, (2) the cost and (3) if his Department paid a charge to Dublin County Council for the use of Newbridge demesne and courtyard, noting that the county council financed the purchase and development of this fine premises.
As the Deputy, who was a guest at the function, will be aware, I was privileged to have had the opportunity on 6 September last to welcome the mayor and a delegation from Ozoir la Ferriere to a reception in Newbridge House, Donabate, on the occasion of the twinning of Ozoir la Ferriere with Swords. I am grateful to Dublin County Council who made Newbridge House available free of charge. This, I understand, is in line with the council's policy of advancing its services to the community. The charge on State funds in respect of the reception itself was approximately £3,000.
