Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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353. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that the Houses of the Oireachtas is leading by example on environmentally friendly initiatives; his views on whether more could be done on environmental policies within the Houses; and if consideration will be given to following the example of the Bundestag in becoming a carbon neutral national parliament. [5581/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The staff in the Houses of the Oireachtas have been actively involved in the OPW’sOptimising Power @ Workenergy conservation initiative for many years. Regular events are held to elevate energy awareness for Members and Staff in the Oireachtas. The Houses of the Oireachtas previously won the “Best Energy Team” at the OPW’s national awards. The Oireachtas is fully compliant with the SEAI reporting requirements. The management and staff also participate in waste and paper recycling schemes. From an energy usage perspective, a large Biomass Boiler (wood chip) provides a substantial proportion of the heating and hot water requirements to the entire Leinster House campus. The current refurbishment of Leinster House will provide an opportunity to further reduce the energy demands as far as possible, within the architectural constraints of the protected structure.

The Houses of the Oireachtas continue to explore opportunities and adopt specific policies and practices that will further their efforts in this area.

The environmental initiatives in the Bundestag are far reaching and capital intensive. Consideration will be given to include appropriate measures where they are technically and economically feasible.