Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32398/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I can inform the Deputy that a range of common-sense energy efficiency measures are applied in my Department. The Department's policy is to use energy saving devices such as energy efficient lights and powersave functions on equipment wherever possible. Staff are also encouraged to switch off all electrical office equipment at close of business. Thermostatic valves have also been installed, where possible, on radiators, and the Department follows its engineering advice in respect of heating and electrical installation generally, as well as advice from the OPW in this field.

I can also inform the Deputy that my Department promotes conservation measures within the Department on an ongoing basis and that a number of initiatives are in place to this end. These include:

A contract is in place for the collection and recycling of all used paper and cardboard packaging, and recycled paper products are used where possible.

The services of a disposal company for the environmentally safe destruction of I.T. equipment are utilised and I.T. and office machinery consumables such as ink toner cartridges for printers and photocopiers are also recycled.