Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Transport 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. [33342/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath 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 and Minister of State, Noel Ahern's ministerial functions amounted to 4.37 tonnes in the year to 30 September 2008. Of this, 4.03 tonnes related to air travel, which will be fully offset under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme for official travel. Figures in respect of official travel by car are not readily available.

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