Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Taoiseach the number of occasions in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 that travel authorised under section 1.17 of the Cabinet Handbook took place and was charged to public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36631/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach was consulted on 19 occasions in 2007, on 15 in 2008 and on 6 to date in 2009 further to Section 1.17 of the Cabinet Handbook. All requests indicated the appropriateness of the Minister being accompanied by his/her spouse/partner and on that basis were not refused. The Deputy will appreciate that Departments would not be likely to submit requests unless they considered them appropriate.