Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Taoiseach the official functions he undertook during his recent visit to France; the names and titles of the persons who accompanied him; the mode of transport used; the cost of the visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23837/07]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I travelled to Paris by Government Jet on Friday, 21 September. I returned to Dublin on Saturday, 22 September. I met with President Sarkozy at the Elysée Palace, Paris on 21 September. During an open and productive meeting, we discussed a wide range of issues on the European Agenda including the Reform Treaty, agriculture, the EU budget review, the Doha round of the WTO negotiations and international financial issues. Later that evening, the President and I attended the Ireland-France rugby match together.

On 22 September, I officiated at the official re-opening of the Old Library of the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris. I also visited our Embassy in Paris, where I met with the Ambassador and her staff and inspected the magnificently restored reception rooms there. This was part of an Embassy open day, which a large number of people attended. Among those whom I met were the family of an Irishman who had gone missing in Paris and is sadly still missing.

While not all costs have yet been settled for the visit, it is likely that the cost incurred by the Department of the Taoiseach will be in the region of €12,000. This figure does not include the cost of using the Government Jet. Questions regarding the cost of the use of the Government Jet should be directed to the Minister for Defence.

The delegation accompanying me for the visit was as follows:

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minster of State for European Affairs*

Mr. Dermot McCarthy, Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach*

Ambassador Anne Anderson*

Mr. Gerry Hickey, Programme Manager and Special Advisor to the Taoiseach

Mr. John Callinan, Assistant Secretary, EU and International Division, Department of the Taoiseach

Mr. Dan Mulhall, Director General, European Union Division, Department of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Eoghan O Neachtáin, Government Press Secretary

Mr. David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach

Ms. Olive Melvin, Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach

Mr. Eddie Walsh, Higher Executive Officer, Government Press Office

Mr. Tony Maxwell, Official Photographer

Ms. Mary Browne, Higher Executive Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Cathy Bruton, Private Secretary to the Minister of State for European Affairs*

*Joined the delegation in Paris. Did not travel by Government Jet.