Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Taoiseach the cost of his predecessor's recent visit to the United States; the names and roles of the persons who accompanied him; the mode of transport used in each case; the cost of travel, hotel and other expenses in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20944/08]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Taoiseach the names and roles of each person for whom any travel, hotel or other expenses were covered in connection with his predecessor's recent visit to the United States; the cost in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20945/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.

Joint Meeting of the United States Congress

The following people travelled to the United States as part of the official delegation for the then Taoiseach's address to the Joint Meeting of the United States Congress:

Then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern

Gerry Hickey, Taoiseach's Adviser

Eoghan O'Neachtain, Government Press Secretary

Mandy Johnston, Taoiseach's Adviser

Brian Murphy, Taoiseach's Adviser

Martin Fraser, Assistant Secretary

Paul McGarry, Principal Officer

David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach

Nick Reddy, Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach

Olive Melvin, Taoiseach's Personal Assistant

John Byrne, Security Officer

Minister Dermot Ahern

Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General

Pat Hennessey, Director, Anglo-Irish Division

Sinead Ryan, Private Secretary to the Minister

Michael Lonergan, Press Officer

Ciaran O'Cuinn, Minister's Adviser

Transport in Washington was provided by two cars, four multi-person vehicles and two vans. Transport in Boston was provided by one car, four multi-person vehicles and two vans. Costs discharged by my Department in relation to this trip currently stand at €8,665.08. This can be broken down to travel costs at €6,661.41 and subsistence costs at €2,003.67. Costs discharged by the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to this trip currently stands at €16,757. The costs for this trip have not yet been finalised. Further charges have not yet been received in respect of hotel and transport costs.

St. Patrick's Day

The following people travelled to the United States as part of the official delegation for the then Taoiseach's visit to Scranton PA and Washington DC to mark the St. Patrick's Day period.

Then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern

Gerry Hickey, Taoiseach's Adviser

Eoghan O'Neachtain, Government Press Secretary

Martin Fraser, Assistant Secretary

Paul McGarry, Principal Officer

David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach

Pat Hennessy, Director, Anglo-Irish Division, Department of Foreign Affairs

Olive Melvin, Taoiseach's Personal Assistant

Dermot Hobbs, Security Officer

Costs discharged by my Department in relation to this trip currently stand at €2,826.16. Costs in relation to gifts given stand at €1,479.32 and costs in relation to subsistence stand at €1,346.84. There are no travel costs associated with this trip. Costs discharged by the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to this trip currently stand at €235. The costs for this trip have not yet been finalised. Further charges have not yet been received in respect of hotel and transport cost