Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the estimated energy use of his Department in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the total cost of that energy use in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44942/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that detailed information on energy use by my Department is not maintained in a manner that can be extracted without a disproportionate and unwarranted use of resources. It also is not possible to accurately quantify energy costs for all buildings occupied by my Department and its agencies as energy costs cannot always be differentiated from other maintenance costs for these buildings.

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 Office of Public Works in this field.

I can also inform the Deputy that my Department is participating in the Office of Public Works (OPW) programme entitled 'Optimising Power @ Work, Staff Energy Awareness Campaign', where this project aims to conserve energy, particularly in the larger State Buildings. Phase 2 of this programme has recently been launched and has as its objective a 20% average saving in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in all of the targeted State Buildings. Additionally my Department has over the past year and more availed of the support of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to encourage energy saving measures throughout the wider Justice system.