Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent visit to the United States for St. Patrick's Day; the number of persons he met during the visit; the number of officials who accompanied him on the visit; and the cost of the visit to date. [5919/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I was in Washington from 15-18 March to attend the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations. During that time I met with a large number of groups and individuals from the worlds of politics, business and culture.

I held meetings with the President of the United States, the Vice President, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, the United States Treasury Secretary, Senator Patrick Leahy, the Chair of the Friends of Ireland, Peter King, Congressman Richie Neal, other members of the US Congress, the Governor of Maryland and the Governor of Virginia. I held my first formal meeting as Taoiseach with the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, as well as informal discussions with other political leaders from Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

I also met members of the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board and the Global Irish Network, as well as representatives of Irish artists who were performing in America as part of the Imagine Ireland programme. I addressed the American Ireland Fund National Gala and an event for Business Leaders which was part of an Enterprise Ireland trade mission. I was accompanied by my wife, as she was invited to the formal functions hosted by the President and the Vice President.

My delegation comprised a senior official from my Department, my special adviser, the current Government Press Secretary and his successor, my private secretary, my personal assistant and a security officer. The estimated costs of the visit are as follows:

Note: Other costs include: delegation office; photography; equipment and catering.