Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [33335/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, 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 arising in the course of my ministerial functions amounted to 34.71 tonnes in the year to 30 September 2008. Of this, 12.63 tonnes related to air travel, and includes the air travel of my predecessor, from October 2007. Air travel is 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 May 2008.

On the same basis, my Department has calculated the following carbon emissions arising from the functions of the Ministers of State in the year to 30 September 2008: Minister of State (Labour Affairs): 24.86 tonnes, of which 8.72 tonnes arose from air travel and is therefore offset; Minister of State (Trade and Commerce): 32.03 tonnes, of which 12.11 tonnes arose from air travel and is therefore offset; Minister of State (Science, Technology and Innovation): 16.82 tonnes, of which 6.51 tonnes arose from air travel and is therefore offset. Dr. Jimmy Devins T.D. was appointed to the position of Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation on 13 May, 2008. The previous months relate to the former Minister of State, Mr. Michael Ahern, T.D.