Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

129. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of electric or hybrid vehicles purchased by his Department in 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32850/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Foreign Affairs purchases motor vehicles to facilitate the functioning and operations of Headquarters and its Missions abroad. The Department is committed to procuring vehicles with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life-cycle. Under the Department’s official vehicle management policy, and in line with our Green Foreign Ministry policy, new and replacement vehicle purchases must now comply with our objective of minimising our carbon footprint. Factors like pollutant emissions, fuel efficiency and noise levels are taken into account when evaluating vehicle specifications. The option of procuring electric vehicles is considered initially. Following that, the consideration of hybrid options is evaluated. However, it should be noted that some our Missions operate in difficult environments where security, road infrastructure and health and safety issues will be a significant factor when deciding on an appropriate official vehicle.

The number of electric or hybrid vehicles purchased in 2020 and to date in 2021 is detailed below: