Ministers to visit cities across world

An exodus of ministers to foreign countries for the traditional St Patrick’s Day celebrations will see them and their officials and Enda Kenny visit dozens of cities across four continents.

Ruairi Quinn, the education minister, will be left in charge of the country as his colleagues travel abroad in an attempt to attract foreign investment and business.

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste will be out of the country at the same time for three days, leaving Mr Quinn in charge as the most senior minister.