Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

197. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers and beehives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23863/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan, my Department is committed to countering climate change and improving our environment for present and future generations.

My Department has a Greener Department Group, comprising staff and managers which promotes a greener, more ecological culture within the Department, coordinates green initiatives, champions sustainable practices, and instills an overall culture of green thinking. This group is supported by green teams at local level who develop initiatives such as artificial insect habitats.

My Department is also exploring with the Office of Public Works the feasibility of installing beehives in some of our buildings.