Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of his travels abroad for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the people who travelled with him in the official party; the duration of the visit; and the cost. [14498/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I represented the Government in Seattle, Washington, on 17 and 18 March. During the visit I took the opportunity to advance Ireland's economic interests, meet with influential political representatives and the broad Irish community and engage in cultural events. I met various business, political and Government representatives to exchange views on matters relating to energy and communications policy and other issues of mutual interest.

My work schedule included a series of business meetings with a range of prominent companies including, among many others, Microsoft, Palm Treo, Verizon, Logitel Corporation, Western Wireless, Speakeasy, Amazon and Starbucks. My itinerary also included meetings with Senator Erik Poulsen, Senator Lloyd Levine, Assemblyman Guy Houston and the Seattle Irish immigrants support group. I also engaged with the broad Irish community and their representatives through my involvement in the St. Patrick's Day festivities, including the official parade, the Friends of St. Patrick dinner and the St. Patrick's Day mass. There were four officials in my delegation, a private secretary, a policy co-ordinator, an assistant secretary for communications and a press adviser.

The trip was part of a wider programme of events in the US but the cost of the St. Patrick's Day celebration leg of the journey is estimated at €4,492.68.