AQW 25941/22-27
Mr Timothy Gaston
Traditional Unionist Voice
North Antrim
Tabled Date: 09/04/2025
Answered On Date: 12/05/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) all occasions when (a) the Minister; and (b) officials from within his Department, travelled outside the British Isles at a cost to the public purse since the restoration of the Executive in February 2024; (ii) those from his Department, or in connection with his Department, that travelled in each case; and (iii) the overall cost to the public purse in each case, broken down by (a) travel; (b) accommodation; and (c) other expenses.
Answer:
Since restoration of the Executive in February 2024, there have been 8 occasions where officials in my Department undertook travel outside the British Isles. The table below sets out the overall cost to the public purse and provides a breakdown by travel, accommodation, and other expenses. As Minister of Health, I flew economy class on 11 March 2025 for a six-day working trip to Washington DC. I was accompanied by the Special Adviser and my Private Secretary. This working engagement – to coincide with St Patrick’s Day celebrations – was focused on strengthening transatlantic partnerships and exploring innovative approaches to improving health and social care services in Northern Ireland. During the visit, I met senior officials from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Global Health Institute at Georgetown University, the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services, as well as leading healthcare providers, academics and research institutions. My final engagement was a tour of the George Washington University Hospital. Discussions centred on best practice in tackling waiting lists, enhancing mental health services and integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare delivery. The visit was an invaluable opportunity to learn from international leaders in health and social care and to showcase Northern Ireland’s expertise on a global stage. I look forward to building on these discussions in the months ahead to deliver real improvements for patients. Officials also travelled outside the British Isles to attend various health related events. Destination | Date of Travel | No of Officials | Travel Costs | Accom Costs | Other Expenses | Total Costs | | | | £ | £ | £ | £ | Amsterdam | 28/05/2024 | 1 | 344 | 0 | 0 | 344 | Amsterdam | 25/06/2024 | 1 | 256 | 503 | 0 | 759 | Krakow | 19/10/2024 | 1 | 23 | 0 | 164 | 187 | Barcelona | 03/11/2024 | 1 | 350 | 747 | 0 | 1,097 | Lisbon | 03/11/2024 | 1 | 195 | 218 | 0 | 413 | Brussels | 06/11/2024 | 3 | 656 | 1,155 | 239 | 2,050 | Washington | 11/03/2025 | 3 | 2,037 | 5,310 | 757 | 8,104 | Copenhagen | 24/03/2025 | 1 | 456 | 407 | 0 | 863 | TOTAL | 12 | 4,317 | 8,340 | 1,160 | 13,817 |
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