John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he travelled abroad as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations he travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip, including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I travelled to Korea and Japan as part of the 2017 Irish Government's St Patrick's Day Promote Ireland programme. The programme included a 3 day programme in Seoul, Korea and a 3 day programme in Tokyo, Japan. I was accompanied on the visit by two officials; my Private Secretary and Special Adviser. The programme aimed to promote trade, investment and tourism in Ireland through a series of economic and cultural activities. The programme included engagements with major Korean, Japanese and Irish employers, meetings with Ministerial counterparts and speaking engagements at influential business organisations. The programme also provided an important opportunity to thank Ireland's partners in Korea and Japan for their investment in the relationship, and to highlight the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.

Costs associated with the visit are contained in the following table:

Calculations are based on online currency exchange figures as there are a number of outstanding invoices to be received from D/Foreign Affairs.

*Accommodation for Tokyo paid by Japanese Government as part of the 60^thAnniversary of diplomatic relations.

**Other includes gifts, business cards, translation costs, ministerial briefings and travel and subsistence.