John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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376. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she travelled abroad as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations; the location she travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18890/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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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.

I travelled to Boston, USA as part of the 2017 Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. I attended a range of events during five days, including meetings, cultural events and the South Boston Parade. My programme included a range of high-level political and Irish community engagements, in addition to business-focussed events, reminding people that Ireland is a very attractive destination for investment, trade, study and tourism. I emphasised that the Irish Government continued to prioritise the plight of the undocumented Irish in the USA. At the annual St Patrick’s Day Breakfast in South Boston, I echoed the Taoiseach’s comments on the history of Irish emigrants to the USA.

Flights taken and other incidental costs incurred, including for my Private Secretary, amounted to €5,833.67. In addition, the cancellation of internal USA flights cost €546.66 as my planned visit to Seattle did not go ahead due to my Dáil commitments. Accommodation and local transport costs have not yet been paid by my Department.