Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Defence the quantity, cost and suppliers of energy used by his Department in the last year for which figures are available; if an audit has been carried out on his Department's energy use; and the details of same. [39420/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Department and the Defence Forces use a number of different types of fuel. These are electricity, oil and gas. Each type of fuel is measured in a different way and priced at different rates. For example electricity is measured in units, however the rates vary depending on time of usage, day rates, night rates and in other cases tariff charges. Given the various measurement methods involved, it is not possible to determine quantities used for over thirty-three locations at such short notice.

In 2005 expenditure for fuel in relation to the provision of heating and electricity in the various offices in my Department was €315,350. In addition to the offices of the Department the Defence Forces in 2005 have also spent €7,424,546.49. The table below outlines cost and suppliers involved.

In addition to the above a further €2,180,000 was spent on fuel for aircraft, €2,880,000 on fuel for vehicles and €3,840,000 on fuel for the Naval Service.

An Energy Efficiency Working Group was established in 2003 to examine fuel economy measures throughout the Defence Forces. A number of initiatives to improve energy efficiency have since been implemented and these have resulted in more efficient energy usage and cost savings. The group continues to work to improve energy efficiency across the Defence Forces.

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Defence the quantity, cost and suppliers of water, both tap and bottled, acquired by his Department for its use in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39450/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Expenditure in relation to water in my Department in 2005 was €7,675.09. This amount consists of €6,032.27 in connection with services, filtering and cooling of the tap water supply for drinking and €1,642.82 for 1,172 litres of bottled water. The amount of tap water used is unquantifiable. The suppliers involved are: All Water Systems, City West Business Campus, Saggart, Co. Dublin serviced and maintained the water coolers; Castle Consultants Ballymount Industrial Estate, Walkinstown, Dublin 12 provided and installed water filters; Tipperary Mineral Water, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 provided the bottled water.