From RTE.

The Taoiseach has defended the amount of money spent sending ministers and government officials abroad for St Patrick’s Day.

Will we get a clear and consise break down of the benefit these trips gained when they come out and the specific reasons why their WAGs and HABs get to go as well funded by the state purse?

The biggest cost for a single delegation was Noel Dempsey’s trip to the US when he was Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. It cost nearly €75,000 for the Minister, his wife and three officials for their trip to California and Texas. Mr Dempsey’s flight cost more than €8,100, while chauffeur and car hire cost €19,500.

Also what was wrong with a hotel or the Irish Embassy?

More than €100,000 was spent on accommodation. Documents show the most expensive was an apartment for Minister Séamus Brennan when he visited Italy. That cost €1,650 per night and was used for two nights.

Its gas really