Senator Paschal Mooney said it would be an act of 'national sabotage' if the media focuses on the money spent on foreign trips by politicians for the 17 March celebrations.
Mr Mooney made the claim at the Arts, Sport and Tourism Committee this afternoon.
He appealed to all media not to publish the cost of the trips, as he said the cost was only 'a pittance' in terms of what was delivered back to Ireland.
It has become a tradition for politicians to travel abroad for events to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
There was support for Mr Mooney from fellow Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, who is to be a guest at the celebrations in the city of St Louis in the US.
Mr Ó Murchú said it was too cynical to adopt a superficial attitude and not look at the underlying reason why politicians represent the country.
Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Niall Gibbons said he hoped to have ministers travelling with him on St Patrick's Day as they had trade and media events lined up.
He said other countries were 'green with envy' at the unrivalled platform that Ireland has on 17 March.
