Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
215. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she travelled abroad as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations she travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip, including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18889/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to Sweden and Denmark on a five day trade and culture mission as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations, accompanied by my Special Adviser. During the course of the mission, I visited Gothenburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen where I undertook a range of cultural, tourism and economic engagements.
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.
A full itinerary was planned in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to this end. Details of the full itinerary of this visit are available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/minister-humphreys-begins-trade-and-culture-mission-to-sweden-and-denmark/
The total cost of the flights was €1,672. No other transport costs were incurred by my Department. The total cost of gifts was €80. I am advised that details of some other costs in respect of this visit are not currently to hand. I will arrange for these to be collated and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they become available.
