Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive has a specific energy efficiency strategy to ensure the sustainable and cost-effective use of energy in health care facilities under their aegis including hospitals, nursing homes, health centres and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34952/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In co-operation with the Office of Public Works, my Department is taking part in the Optimising Power @ Work Campaign. Under this campaign there is a commitment to reducing energy use and carbon emissions by 15% per annum.

In conjunction with the campaign and with the assistance of relevant Consultants an energy audit was carried out in my Department's headquarters in Hawkins House. The audit recommended various ways of achieving energy efficiencies and these were presented to all staff at a number of awareness sessions. The recommendations are now being implemented throughout my Department and an Energy Officer has been appointed to monitor progress on a monthly basis.

In 2007 all the old lighting in Hawkins House was replaced with a new energy efficient lighting system. This included the installation of lights in all kitchenettes which switch off automatically when not in use. In 2007 also an environmental sub-committee of the Department's Partnership Group was established. The role of this committee is to examine all avenues of energy saving, as well as other environmental issues, and to bring these to the attention of all staff. This committee will assist in driving efficiency measures across the Department.

Measures being taken by agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the agencies themselves. My Department is asking the agencies concerned to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.