There are 50 countries on the annual list of St Patrick’s Day destinations for ministers and representatives this year.

The Dealer was anxious to see where the crew from Ag House are heading to.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon is San Francisco bound with Minister with responsibility for fisheries Timmy Dooley also heading west. He’s off to Canada for the second year on the bounce.

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Noel Grealish goes to New Zealand, perhaps he’ll get an insight into the Kiwis research and development while there.

Having previously described himself as a reluctant traveller, who doesn’t like to leave the country, Michael Healy-Rae is off to Finland and the Baltic countries.

These are very apt destinations for his role. I’m sure he’ll pick up a few tips on forestry from the Finns, as over 70% of the country is forested. Estonia and Latvia are also noted for their forests.

Shrewd political observers will note that, for the first time, there is no minister left to hold the fort.

I wonder does that duty now fall on the TDs who support the Government but aren’t in Government?