Written answers

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ministerial Travel

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost incurred by his Department, in respect of this year’s overseas travel programme for St Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/13]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Programmes were put together with a view to maximising the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests overseas and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. Programmes were put together with a view to maximising the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests overseas and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. As the Deputy will be aware, I travelled to Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington DC over the Saint Patrick’s Day period. The full cost of my programme is not yet available, but I can confirm that my own flights, covering the three locations were economy class and cost a total of €1,287. I was accompanied by three officials whose economy flight costs came to €3,948 in total.

Hotel accommodation, and other local costs, in Atlanta and New Orleans came to €4,036 for the full party. No hotel costs were incurred in Washington. Final details of other incidental costs are awaited.

In Atlanta, the centrepiece of my programme was an ‘Invest in Ireland’ Business Leaders forum hosted by the IDA in conjunction with the Consulate and targeting existing IDA clients and potential new investors. Other engagements in Atlanta included bilateral meetings with senior management of multinational and Irish companies; an address to 150 guests from the city’s business, political, media, international and Irish communities at the official Consulate St. Patrick’s Day networking reception; an Irish Chamber of Commerce Business breakfast attended by 170 business and political contacts; and promoting the Gathering in speeches and other engagements.

My programme in New Orleans included speaking at a lunch event hosted by the Irish Network of New Orleans and an address to over 400 guests at the annual Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Ball.

In Washington DC, in addition to participating with the Taoiseach in meetings with President Obama, I held a number of high level political meetings with Secretary of State Kerry and other members of Congress during which US immigration reform matters, the proposed Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership and Ireland’s economic recovery were discussed. I also attended a State Agency business and networking lunch with senior board members from companies with investments in Ireland.

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