Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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. [33332/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the website of the Government's climate change awareness campaign, www.change.ie, provides a carbon calculator which enables everyone to work out their own carbon footprint.

Using this tool, my Department has estimated that the carbon footprint arising in the context of my ministerial functions amounted to 7.04 tonnes in respect of air travel in the year to 13 June 2008, of which 4.81 tonnes will be offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel. The carbon footprint in respect of air travel for the period 14 June 2008 to 30 September 2008 amounted to 2.77 tonnes, all of which will be fully offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel.

Due to the timeframe involved, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the carbon footprint in respect of use by me of the official ministerial car but the relevant information will be sent to the Deputy when the mileage details have been received from the Department of Justice, Equality and law Reform.

On the same basis, my Department has calculated the following carbon emissions arising from the functions of the Ministers of State at my Department with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs in the period 14 June 2007 to 30 September 2008: