Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will abandon his plans to have taxpayers money spent on purchasing carbon offsets in respect of Government flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9236/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I have no proposals to abandon the Irish Government Offsetting Scheme. The Scheme will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver social improvements in Ireland's priority Overseas Development Aid countries in Africa by improving access to renewable and clean energy technology. The overall cost of the Scheme, estimated at some € 420,000 per annum, is modest relative to the benefits likely to accrue.

The Scheme is designed to be optimal in terms of administrative efficiency and accountability and will have the added advantage of increasing awareness of the global warming implications of air travel among official travellers and their Departments and Offices. The Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), who will operate the Scheme on Ireland's behalf, are providing their services free of charge. I propose to review the operation of the Scheme in 2011.