Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

I understand that separate questions have been addressed by the Deputy to relevant Ministers regarding the costs incurred by their Departments in regard to these visits. With regard to my own Department, the final total costs of the recent visits by Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama are not yet finalised. The projected cost of the visit by Queen Elizabeth is approximately €11,000 in respect of my Department. The bulk of this expenditure relates to the catering and transport arrangements for the wreath-laying ceremony in the War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge. In excess of 570 guests attended this ceremony. The projected cost of the visit of President Obama is approximately €600,000. The main area of expenditure was the organisation of the large-scale public event in College Green. I anticipate that the US Government will make some contribution towards the cost of that event, but the precise amount has yet to be finalised. These costs must be seen in the context of the historic nature of the visits and the opportunities they present not only for trade, investment and tourism, but also in enhancing Ireland's international reputation and profile at a critical juncture.

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