Vol. 440 No. 7
162 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the usage of the Government jet by him or the Minister of State at his Department and official parties in respect of St. Patrick's day assignments; the travel arrangements where the Government jet was not used; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence whether he attended St. Patrick's Day or other celebrations overseas recently; the location which he visited; the number, rank and status of each of his entourage; the mode of transport used; the number of flights involved; the standard and location of accommodation used; the total cost to the taxpayer of the trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the permanent Civil Service who accompanied him on his recent trips abroad; the number, rank and status of those other than the permanent service who travelled; the reason these persons were included; the mode of transport used in each case; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 165 and 167 together.
I visited Irish troops serving in Somalia on St. Patrick's Day. I was accompanied by my wife, the Secretary of the Department, the Quartermaster General, an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and my Private Secretary accompanied me in advisory capacities. Two other military officers travelled also.
The Government jet was not used for the visit and the party flew commercially via London and Nairobi. During the visit the party stayed in the Serena Hotel in Nairobi and with the No. 2 Transport Company in Somalia.
Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., Minister of State visited Irish troops serving with UNFICYP, UNIFIL and UNDOF on St. Patrick's Day. He and his party flew commercially to Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria.
Details of the cost of the visits are not yet available. When they become available I will have them furnished to the Deputy.
