Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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/advisers and private office staff, according to the particular requirements of the programme.

Detailed information on my foreign travel, including the destination and costs, for advisers and senior officials who travel with me, are published on a monthly basis on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach under the heading Foreign Travel Reports at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/8991b0-corporate-reports/.Details of expenditure for trips is published once invoices are received and processed for payment. All necessary expenditure on official travel is in line with the Department's Travel Policy which is based on guidelines laid down by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery 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.

I also use the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) for European travel. The MATS provides the Government and the President with an independent, flexible and effective air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. It is operated by the Department of Defence. Information on this service can be accessed: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/.