Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I also welcome the comments of Senators O'Toole, Harris and Keaveney in respect of the valuable role played by our Ministers on their visits abroad. I speak as somebody who has not, to my knowledge, travelled abroad at the expense of the State. I happen to be involved in a charity in Argentina which benefited greatly in terms of its work and status within the community. The charity has two Cheshire Homes for people who suffer from extreme physical and mental disability. It benefited greatly from the visit of an Irish Minister. It significantly enhanced the profile of that charity here when it came to fund raising. The Ministers deserve our thanks for that function.