Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average cost of entertainment per function, hosted by his Department. [9508/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The volume of hospitality activity in Iveagh House varies from year to year depending on factors including the number of visits, conferences and events. In 2009, the department hosted 63 official hospitality events in Iveagh House at a cost of €109,000. The breakdown of events is as follows: 3 breakfasts, 33 lunches, 6 dinners, 16 receptions. On this basis, the average cost per function for 2009 is €1730. The purpose of this hospitality is to promote bilateral relations with other states in the context of visits by Heads of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and other high-level delegations.