Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money to be spent by him on climate change awareness in 2009; the estimate in tabular form of the way that money is to be spent; the persons to whom payments are to be made; the amount of same which is for advertising and consultancy; if the moneys to be spent in 2009 on this area are committed in order that it cannot be diverted to other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25075/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A number of initiatives supported by my Department such as the Green Schools programme, TidyTowns, Agenda 21 Local Partnership and initiatives implemented through Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations contribute to varying degrees in raising awareness of climate change. In particular, the Change campaign, led by a consultancy consortium was launched in November 2007 with the specific objective of raising public awareness of climate change, its causes, impacts and implications for Ireland and to promote behavioural change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A budget of €4.13m (including VAT) has been allocated to the campaign for 2009. Among the initiatives supported are the following:

The development of the carbon management tool, which I launched at the end of April. This online tool is being provided free of charge to all organisations to enable them calculate and reduce their organisations' emissions and reduce their costs as a result;

· The ongoing development of the website as a key source of information on climate change, its impacts and implications. It provides information on policies and measures taken by Government to address climate change as well as actions being taken by communities by way of example to others. The website also features a calculator for individuals to measure their carbon number and provides information on actions to take to reduce it ;

· Consumer and business multi-media advertising campaigns designed to increase awareness and drive consumer and organisational behavioural change to reduce emissions;

· The development of case studies, hosting of competitions and associated prizes, training seminars and provision of support to organizations to promote usage of the carbon management tool;

· Sponsorship of third party initiatives to promote the climate change messages in a cost-effective manner as well as linkage with other Government and non-Government bodies to promote initiatives, for example, in the areas of cycling, energy efficiency, hosting of conferences and workshops at community level;

· The development, in partnership with St. Patrick's Teacher training college, of resources on climate change for teachers, which will be integrated into the school curriculum, as well as awareness campaigns and resources for transition year students and third level.

My Department takes a rigorous approach in scrutinising proposed expenditure and activities with a view to ensuring best value for money is achieved. Monies spent and committed to date totalling some €2.586 million, are set out in a Table set out below.

* Cawlea NEA/TBWA, RPS/Mary Murphy and OMD