Poots defends business class seating policy

It has been revealed that Mr Poots and two officials travelled to a five-day conference in Boston last year at a cost of £2,000. It has also been revealed that since taking up his position as Health Minister last year, more than £45,000 has been spent on overseas flights and hotels for Mr Poots and his team.

Conall McDevitt, a member of the Stormont Health Committee, has said there is “absolutely no justification” for senior government staff to use the more costly form of travel at taxpayers expense.

However, Mr Poots stressed that the use of business class was in keeping with the policy adopted by his counterparts in other areas of the UK.

“A lot of paperwork was taken with us to do whilst travelling,” continued Mr Poots.

He also stated that on shorter flights he did not travel business class as it “made no sense” but that for flights over two hours it was the policy to use business class so that work could be done whilst in the air.

The Health Minister, who was a keynote speaker, said the Boston conference was “fairly intensive” with an itinerary from 8am until 9pm each day.

The conference was also an opportunity for the Health Minister to promote Northern Ireland and make important contacts. “As a consequence of the conference I was approached by the US Department of Commerce about what we are doing in Northern Ireland.

“I also had meetings with the Crown Prince of Denmark,” added Mr Poots.