Minister for Enterprise defends Government St Patrick's trips

The Minister for Enterprise and Employment has defended many of his colleagues who are celebrating St Patrick's Day abroad.

It's emerged the taxpayer has footed a bill of around €1m for these trips over the last two years.

But Micheal Martin says they are an essential part of marketing Ireland in countries we do business with, particularly at this time of the year.

He said: "They're not junkets by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, they are a wonderful opportunity to market Ireland. Every country in the world would give its right arm to get that kind of opportunity.

"It's an opportunity for our government, on behalf of the people to gain access to governments across the world."