Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his carbon footprint and that of each Minister of State in his Department; the change in this footprint after one year in office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33330/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Making use of the website of the Government's climate change awareness campaign, www.change.ie, to work out the carbon footprint, the Department has estimated that since I was appointed in May 2008 the carbon emissions arising in the course of my ministerial functions amounted to approximately 21.27 tonnes. Of this, 5.17 tonnes related to air travel, which is fully offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel. There is no equivalent figure for the previous year since I was only appointed in May 2008.

The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Mansergh, TD, has no permanent facilities at the Department. Accordingly, information in respect of carbon emissions arising from his ministerial functions would be provided in the reply from the Minister of Finance.