Vol. 428 No. 5
137 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the countries recently visited by him in connection with St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the countries visited by the Minister of State in his Department; the composition of the official party; and the total cost to the Exchequer in each case.
I visited Irish military personnel serving with the United Nations in Lebanon, Cyprus and Syria during the period 14-24 March 1993.
I was accompanied on the visit by my wife, my Private Secretary, the Secretary, Department of Defence, the Press Liaison Officer, Department of Defence, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and his Personal Staff Officer and the Director of Army Operations.
The total cost was approximately £27,950.
The Minister of State at this Department did not make any visit abroad in connection with St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
138 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine the countries recently visited by him in connection with St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the countries visited by the Minister of State in his Department; the composition of the official party; and the total cost to the Exchequer in each case.
I did not undertake any travel in connection with St. Patrick's Day celebrations in my capacity as Minister for the Marine. A separate reply is being given in my capacity as Minister for Defence.
