Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [6157/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Costs incurred by my Department in respect of Ministerial programmes for St. Patrick's Day, 2008 are set out below.

The then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Rome and the Vatican City in 2008. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the two officials who accompanied him, was €5,822.44.

The Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah and Charleston. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the two officials who accompanied him, was €19,979.74.

The Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, John McGuinness, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Seattle. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for his spouse and the official who accompanied him, was €21,784.86.

The then Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Michael Ahern, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Birmingham. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for his spouse and the official who accompanied him, was €3,677.92.

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. 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.