Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Taoiseach the estimated cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick's Day 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12823/10]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I visited Chicago, Silicon Valley and Washington from March 12th to March 18th, 2010. I carried out over 25 separate engagements in the course of my visit.

I met with major multinational companies who have invested billions of euro in Ireland. I also took part in a trade mission involving Irish companies with significant business in the United States. These companies support thousands of jobs in this country and could potentially create more jobs here in the future.

I also met with President Obama, Vice President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Congressional leaders from the Republican and Democratic parties, the Governor of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago and San José. The estimated costs of the visit were: Hotels Chicago €1764 (average cost per room per night was €126) San Jose €1128 (average cost per room per night was €161) Washington €3972 (average cost per room per night was €189) Equipment €2139 Car Hire Chicago €2610 San Jose not yet available Washington not yet available Gifts €2127 Other costs €1610 I expect some relatively small additional costs will arise as payments are processed.