Vol. 446 No. 1
29 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance the total cost of the pay increases recently approved by the Government to Ministers; and the proposals, if any, he has to curtail unnecessary foreign travel by members of the Government. [1223/94]
The cost this year of the pay increases referred to for members of the Government and Ministers of State as office-holders is about £65,000 in gross terms. When fully in place the cost in a full year will be in the region of £170,000.
As regards foreign travel, it is a matter for each Minister to determine the amount to which it is necessary for him or her to travel abroad in the discharge of the functions of his or her office.
The Minister said it is a matter for each Minister to determine how much travel he or she engages in. In view of the fact that there have been 276 ministerial trips since this Government took office and the Government jet has never been busier, having clocked up 976 hours at a cost of £5 million, will he consider reintroducing some level of control by his Department? Cabinet Ministers seem to think that every day is Saint Patrick's Day. It used to be that there was a mass exodus once a year but now that appears to be the case all year round.
It is a great day for the Irish.
I wonder what the lads in TEAM Aer Lingus would say about the overhaul requirements for the jet.
I am glad Deputy Yates at least supports the idea of Ministers travelling abroad on Saint Patrick's Day. The Department of Finance controls the overall budgets of Departments and unless Departments wildly overshoot their budget in respect of foreign travel, the Department trusts that Ministers exercise their responsibilities appropriately. I am near the bottom of the list in respect of official visits.
Heretofore there was a high level of travel within Europe and to the United States, but an examination of the travel itinerary of Ministers reveals regular trips to Tehran, Israel, Egypt, Moscow, Malta, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia. Is the Minister satisfied that we are getting value for money?
Does he realise that whether it is in respect of home-made venison sausage or sorbet of passion fruit in Tinakilly, the Cabinet is increasingly beginning to resemble the Royal Family as its members travel the world with their entourage? People are seething with resentment about that.
I do not believe that is the case. The official visits represent value for money. My colleagues travelled to the places to which Deputy Yates referred to carry out necessary business.
Many people are not even familiar with the places to which Ministers travelled.
Many members of the Opposition travelled abroad during the summer.
