Dáil Éireann - Volume 351 - 19 June, 1984

Written Answers. - Presidential Visit.

446. Mr. Gregory-Independent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of the banquet given in Dublin Castle in honour of President Reagan.

447. Mr. Gregory-Independent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total cost to the State of the visit of President Reagan to Ireland.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. P. Barry): I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.

[1035] It has been a long-standing practice not to disclose the type of information sought by the Deputy. Successive Governments have held the view that to publicise the cost of individual items or events, or the total cost of an official or State visit, would be regarded as an extreme discourtesy to the distinguished guest.