EU Presidency.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Ceisteanna (118)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of locations and status of functions or receptions held in connection with Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; the number and status of those invited to attend; if Garda motorcycle escorts were provided in any or all instances; if invitations were issued by way of postal service or by other means in every case; if not, the nature of the exception; the cost to the Exchequer or EU of events to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

In so far as my Department is concerned, two meetings at senior official level have been held to date in Dublin as part of Ireland's Presidency of the EU. Both meetings were held at the same location, one over two days in January and the other over two days in February. Some 90 delegates attended the January meeting and 160 attended the February meeting. As the meetings were at senior official level, no Garda escorts were required. Invitations were issued both through the postal service and by electronic mail. The total cost of both events is €56,000.