Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 367: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost in relation to 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. [6155/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In response to the Deputy I wish to state that I did not travel abroad for St. Patrick's Day in 2008. The then Minister of State for Defence and Government Chief Whip, Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., travelled abroad on St. Patrick's Day in 2008 to represent Ireland in Vienna in his capacity as Government Chief Whip. The Department of the Taoiseach covered the necessary travel and subsistence costs. Minister Kitt was accompanied by his Private Secretary at a cost of €618 to the Department of Defence.

While the St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised, I have no plans to travel abroad for St. Patrick's Day this year. If the Minister of State for Defence and Government Chief Whip, Mr. Pat Carey, T.D., participates it will be in his capacity as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach.

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 programmes.