Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1073: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he travelled abroad for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the persons who travelled with him in his official party; the duration of the visit and the cost involved. [10185/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I visited Shanghai and Beijing in China, from 13 March to 20 March last, for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, building on the successful visit by the Taoiseach and his delegation to that country. During my visit, on which I was accompanied by my wife and my private secretary, I met the vice-mayor of Shanghai and the president of Fudan university in Shanghai, where I presented the prize for the George Bernard Shaw essay competition. I met the vice-minister responsible for China's environmental protection administration. I attended a St. Patrick's Day reception hosted by the ambassador in Beijing. I met representatives of the Irish community in both cities. I attended a presentation, Green Olympics, by the Beijing Olympic committee. The cost to the Department of the visit amounts to €17,813, excluding accommodation costs which are not yet to hand. It should be noted that I paid a personal visit to Singapore at the end of my visit to China, at my own expense. I took the opportunity during the visit to meet the environment minister of Singapore.