Mr Ryan was answering questions from reporters about the more than €500,000 of taxpayers' money that was spent on such trips last year.

The Green Party minister, who is travelling to Paris for two days this year as part of the annual exodus, says it is important that he and colleagues promote Ireland on St Patrick's Day.

Speaking in the Dail, meanwhile, the Taoiseach also defended the foreign trips, saying they are a valuable marketing opportunity that helps to attract inward investment.