Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she travelled abroad for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the persons who travelled with her in her official party; the duration of the visit and the cost involved. [10181/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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After attending a Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels, I travelled to Paris to meet the French Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs on 15 March to discuss EU agricultural matters. I subsequently represented the Government at a number of St. Patrick's Day events in Paris from 16 to 18 March. These events included hosting a reception in the embassy for Irish and French business and community representatives. In addition, I participated in Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara export promotion activities as well as launching a new export contract for the sale of Irish beef to a major French retailing group. I was accompanied on the visit by my husband and private secretary. The full cost is not yet available but the cost to date amounts to €2,480.