§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total costs of the talks at Castle Buildings to date; how much(a) has been paid by and (b) is outstanding from the Irish Government; and how much has been paid to or on behalf of the three independent chairmen, broken down between expenses and taxable remuneration. [22805]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe information requested, up to 30 November 1997, is as follows:
£ Payments to Elected Delegates 675,057.40 Payments to Party Support Staff 108,341.85 Party Allowance and Research Grants 621,249.80 Independent Chairmen and Aides—Expenses 26,506.88 Remuneration 319,711.20 Accommodation 254,630.54 Travel 418,091.92 Subsistence 36,878.32 Block B, Castle Buildings: (a) Initial set-up costs 266,000.00 (b) Operational costs 955,553.03 Additional NIO staff costs: 589,311.43 The Irish Government are bearing an equal share of the running costs of the multi party negotiations, excluding any in respect of Strand One.
During the period 10 June 1996 to 30 November 1997, under this agreement, the Irish Government have been invoiced for, and have paid, a total of £1,359.701.52 sterling.