Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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162. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost of the forthcoming ministerial trips abroad for St. Patrick's Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9093/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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163. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a breakdown of the duration of each ministerial trip abroad to mark St. Patrick's Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9094/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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164. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the importance of a Minister going to Northern Ireland on St Patrick's Day; the Minister who will be in Northern Ireland for St. Patrick's Day 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9095/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 164, inclusive, together.

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. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, promotion and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery.

In terms of the cost of Ministerial visits for Saint Patrick’s Day, the Department of each travelling Minister will be responsible for its own costs. This year, as with previous years, we have issued guidelines to the Embassy network to ensure that visits are undertaken in the most cost efficient way possible. The overall programme of Ministerial travel is based on recommendations made by the Trade and Promotion Division of my Department in consultation with the Embassy network and State agencies. The programme was released on 17 February. The programmes and duration for each Ministerial visit are currently being finalised by the Embassy network, State agencies and relevant Minister’s Departments. It is not proposed currently that a Minister would attend St Patrick’s Day events in Northern Ireland in 2014. This is a matter which can be kept under review, in particular in the light of specific invitations Ministers may receive to appropriate events in Northern Ireland in subsequent years.