Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Transport 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. [14503/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the Government decision that week I travelled to New York for the St. Patrick's Day festivities over the three-day period 15 to 17 March. The speaking functions I attended included the Jerry McCabe fellowship breakfast at John Jay College, the official opening of the second phase of the New York Irish center in Long Island City, the Shannon Airport/West of Ireland trade and tourism breakfast at the Irish consulate, the Ireland-US Council, the top 100 event, the Co-operation Ireland dinner, the New York mayor's St. Patrick's Day breakfast, mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the governor's St. Patrick's Day event, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Fifth Avenue, followed by a function with the Knights of St. Patrick.

In addition, I participated in a number of press and radio interviews over the course of the three days. I was accompanied by both my private secretary and press officer on these engagements. The full costs for this visit have not yet been finalised.