Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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227. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full cost, duration, purpose and outcome of his trip to Brazil in August 2016; the number of officials that accompanied the Minister on that trip; the costs associated with their travel; his views on whether that trip represented good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28851/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I travelled to Brazil to attend the Olympic Games from 14th August and returned on 18th August. I was accompanied by one official. I am advised that the invoices relating to various costs incurred on the trip have not been processed but I expect that this will happen shortly. I am not therefore in a position to provide the definitive total cost to the Deputy but will do so directly to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand. I will also be publishing on my Department's website www.dttas.ieall travel expenses incurred by me since taking office, including costs in respect of Brazil.

I attended the event in my capacity as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and as a representative of the Government. In doing so I wanted to show full support for our athletes who have given years of effort and preparation to reach a point where they could represent our country at the highest level. As such, I believe the trip represented good value for money.