Vol. 513 No. 4
51 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the cost, if any, to the Government Secretariat in his Department associated with holding Government meetings outside Government Buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2416/00]
The Government has had meetings recently in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon and at Knocknaheeny in Cork City. These meetings were planned in association with meetings between the Government and the regional assemblies and regional consultative fora organised by the Department of Finance on the operational programmes being prepared under the national development plan.
The additional costs in the Government Secretariat relating to the two Government meetings held as a result of this initiative are estimated to be modest, comprising mainly travel, the cost of refreshments and subsistence allowances paid for staff involved in planning and servicing the meetings. These costs have yet to be assessed but are expected to be in the region of £2,500 – £3,000 for each meeting.
The effort to undertake these regional Cabinet meetings has been worthwhile. This initiative was generally welcomed and I intend to have further such meetings in due course.
