Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost in terms of foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick's Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick's Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6154/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will appreciate that much careful consideration is given to determining the Ministerial programmes for St Patrick's Day to ensure that Ireland's economic, trade, social and cultural interests are effectively represented and promoted. In 2008 I visited Mumbai and Delhi on behalf of the Government.

In relation to the costs associated with the St Patrick's Day programme in 2008, the costs incurred by me in relation to flights, accommodation and related expenses amounted to €5,449, with an additional cost of €1,656 incurred in respect of flights for my wife who accompanied me. The costs in respect of two accompanying officials amounted to €8,390.

The St Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. As always, but particularly in view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programme.