Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 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. [33336/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The website of the Government's climate change awareness campaign, www.change.ie, provides a carbon calculator which enables people to work out their own carbon footprint. Using this tool, it is estimated that the carbon emissions from air travel undertaken in the course of my ministerial functions amounted to 7.87 tonnes in the year to 30 June 2008. This amount is accounted for predominately by air travel to UN Conferences in Bali and New York.

There is no equivalent figure for the previous year as I did not take up my Ministerial position until 14 June 2007.

The Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, which has responsibility for the Ministerial transport fleet, is providing statistics on road mileage to my Department for the period to 30 June 2008 and, once obtained, the revised carbon footprint for my combined road and air travel will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Using the same tool, it has been calculated that the carbon footprint arising from the functions of the Ministers of State at my Department is: Minister of State Finneran (Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas) — 2.61 tonnes. This is based on mileage figures provided in respect of the period 13 May 2008 to 30 June 2008. Minister of State Kitt (Environment) — 4.78 tonnes. This is based on mileage figures provided in respect of the period 13 May 2008 to 31 August 2008.

Neither Minister of State has undertaken any official air travel since taking up their respective posts.

The Department of Health and Children will provide a response in respect of Minister of State Hoctor as her functions (Minister of State with responsibility for Older People) are shared with that Department.

In line with the Programme for Government, the Government Carbon Offsetting Scheme is now in place for all official air travel. All air travel mentioned above is subject to the Scheme.