Oireachtas plans spending of up to €1.2 million on hosting a series of four international conferences in Dublin

The Oireachtas plans to spend up to €1.2 million on hosting a series of conferences as part of plans for “fostering international and inter-parliamentary relationships”.

An internal memo also recommended the expansion of the Leinster House protocol section to help run them saying Ireland had not been “active” in hosting these events for some time.

The four conferences, which will run between 2022 and 2024 will see large international delegations visit Ireland for planned events at the Convention Centre and Dublin Castle.

An internal memo said the estimated cost of holding the events would be €1.2 million although only a €20,000 booking needed to be paid this year.

Members of the Oireachtas Commission were told the benefits of the events “far outweigh” any risks involved in hosting them.