Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I also welcome the fact that Ministers are continuing the practice of travelling to the United States and other countries to promote Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. Like others, I would caution Ministers to be frugal in their spending when abroad. They should stand in solidarity with the people here who are struggling and whose interests they will be promoting overseas. They should send out a clear message to everyone that business can be done in a cost-effective manner. In that case, everybody would accept the concept of Ministers travelling abroad not just for St. Patrick's Day, but every time such an opportunity presents itself. I suggest that if any Member of this House would like to go abroad, there are many parades in different parts of the world where there will be no Government representative in attendance. For the sake of an airfare to America or other countries, it would probably be a useful exercise in promoting Ireland.