Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
411. Deputy John Brady asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence 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. [18892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations I visited Irish troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) during the period 13 March to 20 March. Over 90% of Irish Defence Forces personnel serving overseas are based in this region. In addition I attended events in the region as part of Ireland's overall economic, political and security engagement in the region.
During the visit, I met with the Force Commander and Head of Mission in UNIFIL, Major General, Michael Beary of the Irish Defence Forces and the Head of Mission and Force Commander in UNDOF, Major General Jai Shanker Menon, who both briefed me on the situation and the challenges in their respective mission areas. During the trip I presented UN Service Medals to Irish Personnel in the UNIFIL and UNDOF missions. I also laid a wreath at a Memorial to Irish troops who lost their lives while on service with UN Missions in Lebanon.
The trip also included a visit to Jerusalem where I met with Defence Forces personnel serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). I also met with the Head of Mission and Chief of Staff, UNTSO, Major General David Gawn. The Major General briefed me on the current challenges impacting on the UNTSO mission and also the security and political situation pertaining in the wider region.
At the medal ceremonies and the St Patrick's Day ceremonies in UNIFIL, UNDOF and UNTSO, I met with members of the local community and community and municipal leaders. I also met with NGOs, civil society, political leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the private sector when he opened the new Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv and attended the St Patrick's Day events in Tel Aviv and Ramallah. In Tel Aviv, I met with Minister Ayoob Kara from the Prime Minister’s Office together with senior officials. In Ramallah I met with the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
I was accompanied by four officials from my Department. The final costs cannot be confirmed until the final invoices are received in respect of this visit. The costs incurred to date for the delegation are set out in the following table:
|
Nature of Expense |
Amount |
|
Flights & Luggage Charges |
€15,900.00 |
|
Accommodation London |
€606.00 |
|
Accommodation Beirut |
€377.13 |
|
Newbridge Silver Gifts for distribution |
€295.00 |
|
Working Dinner Tel Aviv |
€285.41 |
|
Heathrow Taxi/Minibus transfer from hotel to Terminal 2 Heathrow Airport |
€33.53 |
