Australia, Japan, India: Ministers head abroad for St Patrick's Day

Details have emerged about the ministerial trips abroad for St Patrick's Day, with the first setting off today.

Chief Whip Paul Kehoe will head for Australia later today.

The Transport Minister Leo Varadkar will travel to Japan later in the month, the Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald is going to India, the Environment Minister Phil Hogan will travel to Boston and the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton is heading for Chicago,

Pat Rabbitte, the Communications and Energy Minister, will go to New York, the Tanaiste travels to Washington, and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny will make his way to Washington for the annual visit to the White House, along with trips to New York, Seattle and Silicone Valley.

The Justice Minister Alan Shatter will travel to the Middle East next week - although that trip is not strictly for St Patrick's Day.