Government St Patrick's Day trips tally hits €142,000 — so far

With seven departments yet to report their costs, the steep bill for a Higher Education trip to Australia is attributed to travel restrictions due to war in the Middle East

The Statue of Liberty and buildings in New York City lit up green for St Patrick's Day. The agriculture minister said his department's US trip was combined with a trade mission due to 'time constraints' later this year during Ireland's tenure in the EU presidency. Picture: iStock

The Government’s spend on flights for ministers and their officials to carry out St Patrick’s Day visits abroad has hit at least €142,000 — even before seven departments have revealed their outlay.

For those travelling further afield, the costs were increased by the war in Iran.