Vol. 440 No. 7
236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether he attended St. Patrick's Day or other celebrations oveseas 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.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 82 on this subject on 23 March last.
I travelled to/from New York, accompanied by my wife and Private Secretary, on Aer Lingus scheduled flights and stayed at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan.
I have not attended any other overseas celebrations, in an official capacity, in recent times.
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications 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.
Since January of this year, I have been abroad on official business on three occasions.
My wife and my Private Secretary accompanied me on two of these trips and the Secretary of my Department and the Department's Permanent Representative in Brussels accompanied me on one trip. Two of the trips were undertaken on Aer Lingus scheduled flights and the Government jet was used for the third trip.
Excluding the cost of the Government jet the estimated total cost to the Exchequer of the three trips is £14,500.
