Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost incurred by his Department, for this year's overseas travel programme for St Patrick's Day, which saw the Taoiseach and eight Ministers heading abroad for the holiday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17330/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The following is the information requested by the Deputy.

(1) Minister Richard Bruton T.D., Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation represented Ireland at EI and IDA engagements in San Francisco, USA, 13 to 15 March 2012.

Costs incurred by the Department in respect of economy class flights to San Francisco for Minister Bruton and Private Secretary are as follows:

€1,108.26 x 2 = €2,216.52.

Other related costs including accommodation for the period 13 to 15 March 2012 were borne directly by the organising agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA.

The cost of accommodation for Minister Bruton and his Private Secretary in San Francisco on 16 March 2012 was paid for by the Department of Foreign Affairs and will fall due to be reimbursed by this Department in due course.

Subsistence for the Minister and Private Secretary is claimed and paid by the Department in arrears. Subsistence is paid in accordance with Department of Finance rates and regulations and once claimed, will be reimbursed in due course.

(2) Minister John Perry T.D., Minister for Small Business represented Ireland on an EI Trade Mission to Finland and Sweden 14 to 16 March 2012.

The Minister and Private Secretary were accommodated overnight in the Ambassador's residence in Stockholm on the 15th March 2012 so no hotel costs were incurred in respect of this element of the trip. Other related costs including travel and accommodation for the Minister and Private Secretary were borne by the organising agency, Enterprise Ireland.

Subsistence for the Minister and Private Secretary is claimed and paid by the Department in arrears. Subsistence is paid in accordance with Department of Finance rates and regulations and once claimed, will be reimbursed in due course.

(3) The Minister for Research and Innovation, Mr Sean Sherlock T.D., did not travel abroad for St Patrick's Day events.