674 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support measures to make all official air travel by Government Ministers carbon neutral in that offsetting measures would be taken to mitigate the impact of travel on the environment. [34607/06]

Although not directly linked to any specific greenhouse gas emissions, the Government is already making an annual contribution equivalent to $3.25 million to assist developing countries in addressing climate change. This funding, which commenced in 2005 and will continue for a minimum of four years, is a separate matter to carbon allowances which the Government may purchase through the various mechanisms provided under the Kyoto Protocol.

In response to a request from the Council of Ministers, the European Commission is currently developing proposals to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by bringing the sector into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.