Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [33329/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, 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. Using this tool, my Department has estimated that the carbon emissions related to air travel arising in the course of my ministerial functions since May 2008 amounted to 3.4 tonnes, all of which 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 7 May 2008.

Since May 2008, the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen's carbon footprint is 2.046 tonnes, related to air travel, which will be fully offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel.

The Minister of State, Deputy Sargent's carbon footprint for the year 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008 relating to air travel amounted to 2.09 tonnes, all of which involved scheduled flights. The air travel carbon footprint will be fully offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel. In addition, Deputy Sargent personally purchased carbon credits to offset the carbon impact of his air travel prior to the Government offset scheme being introduced.