Official Travel

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Questions (228)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

228. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide a schedule of official flights and costs of same taken by him in 2023; if a schedule will be provided of all hotels he stayed in in 2023, including hotel name and cost per night while on official State business; and if the same information will be provided in respect of all accompanying staff and advisors. [2649/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

In my capacity as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I undertook two visits on official state business to Germany for St. Patrick's Day and the United States in November. A full breakdown of costs for myself and the officials who accompanied are outlined below:

		Flight Costs	Le Meridien	Hotel Berlin	Recouped from Eurogroup
Germany 15-18 Mar	Minister	€218.20	€400 per night	€180 per night	Yes
	Private Secretary	€218.20	€400 per night	€180 per night
	Special Adviser	€218.20	€400 per night	€180 per night
	Secretary General	€480.47	€400 per night	€180 per night


		Flight Costs	Dupont Circle	Fitzpatricks	Recouped from Eurogroup
USA 28 Nov - 1 Dec	Minister	€4,250.88	€192.79 per night	€328.64 per night	Yet to be recouped - waiting on final invoice
Private Secretary	€967.58	€192.79 per night	€328.64 per night
Special Adviser	€937.85	€192.79 per night	€328.64 per night
Secretary General	€937.85	€192.79 per night	€328.64 per night

I would note that I undertook some elements of both programmes in my capacity as President of the Eurogroup. As such, the costs of both visits for myself were recouped from the European Council.