David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44427/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I can inform the Deputy that my Department adopts a range of practical common sense measures to reduce energy use and encourages staff to avail of all opportunities to reduce wastage within its offices. Staff are encouraged to switch off all electrical office equipment at close of business. Thermostatic valves have also been installed on radiators where possible and the Department follows engineering advice in respect of heating and electrical installation generally, as well as technical advice from the OPW in this field. I can also inform the Deputy that my Department is participating in the Office of Public Works programme entitled 'Optimising Power @ Work, Staff Energy Awareness Campaign'. This project aims to conserve energy in State Buildings and has as its objective a 15% reduction of CO2 emissions in all of the targeted State Buildings.

It is not possible to accurately quantify heating costs for all buildings occupied by my Department and its agencies as heating costs cannot always be differentiated from other maintenance costs for these buildings.