Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

It is not possible to distinguish the cost of Government meetings generally from the overall costs associated with the operation of the Government secretariat. Where Cabinet meetings are held outside Government Buildings, additional costs may arise. The cost for my Department to date in respect of the meeting which was held in Avondale House, County Wicklow on 31 July 2006 is €8,031. The additional cost for such Cabinet meetings is mainly accounted for by staff costs, the need to provide communications and media facilities and related catering. The holding of Government meetings outside Dublin is very much welcomed by local communities and provides an opportunity to meet with local organisations and groups. To date, nine meetings have been held outside Dublin. Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Laois, Louth, Roscommon, Waterford and Wicklow have been venues for Government meetings in previous years. No further meetings are planned for outside Dublin but it is an initiative I intend to continue in the future.

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