Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her carbon footprint and that of each Minister of State in her Department; the change in this footprint after one year in office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33341/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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. The Department has estimated that the carbon emissions relating to air travel in the course of my ministerial functions amounted to 489.52 kg in the year to 30 September 2008. This will be fully offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel. There is no equivalent figure for the previous year, as I did not take up the post until 6 May 2008.

The carbon footprint for use of the Ministerial car from 6 May 2008 to 30 September 2008 is estimated at 6.09 tonnes.