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Ministerial Travel

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017

Thursday, 13 April 2017

Ceisteanna (104)

John Brady

Ceist:

104. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he travelled abroad as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations he travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18893/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland remaining a committed member of the EU.

As part of the St Patrick's Day Programme, I travelled to London on 15th March and returned to Ireland on Sunday 19th March 2017. The total cost of my flights was €348.29. There were no other travel or accommodation costs and no other expenses were incurred.

During my visit to London for St Patrick's Day, I met with some key UK Ministers, including Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening, Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the EU, David Jones and other senior politicians, as well as Irish groups.  I took the opportunity to raise all of the Government's key Brexit priorities and, in particular, those relating to education.  The discussions focused primarily on movement of people, North/South issues, labour market supply, research and opportunities for Ireland in the post-Brexit era.  These meetings were very positive and gave me a good understanding of the UK Government's views on the impact of Brexit on Ireland and their desire that the impact on Ireland be minimised. The UK Ministers clearly expressed their wish to continue the priority they attach to the close co-operation and relationship with Ireland and will aim to protect that to the greatest extent possible after Brexit in the upcoming talks with the EU.  

I also attended some business events focused on Irish enterprises and Irish business people in the UK, where I had the opportunity to hear about the challenges and opportunities around Brexit.

I also took in a number of cultural and St Patrick's Day-related events involving the Irish community.

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