Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of foreign travel episodes arranged by his Department for elected representatives, Ministers and their staff and-or special advisers since 1 January 2018 to date in 2022; and if he will provide a schedule of locations of the travel arranged or advised on, to include the final destination of travel episode, by year, and the full cost of same. [8513/22]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As Taoiseach, I regularly travel to participate in formal and informal meetings of the European Council, in Brussels and elsewhere. In keeping with the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy, I also place a high importance on engaging actively with fellow Heads of State and Government, both within the EU and more widely. I also use international visits to promote Ireland’s trade, culture, investment and enterprise interests, as well as to engage with Irish communities and to hear at first hand their experiences and concerns. On my visits I am usually accompanied by a small delegation, comprising senior officials/advisors and private office staff, according to the particular requirements of the programme.

Detailed information on foreign travel, including the destination and costs, for myself, advisers and senior officials who travel with me, as well as costs related to the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State are published on a monthly basis on my Department’s website under the heading Foreign Travel Reports. My officials will send details of the web address to the Deputy. All necessary expenditure on official travel such as flights, hotel accommodation, rail tickets, bus and taxi fares, ground transport and subsistence payments are in line with my Department's Travel Policy which is based on guidelines laid down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department seeks at all times to ensure best value for money is sought in respect of each official trip undertaken, consistent with the requirements of official business.