Staff in the Taoiseach's department produce more waste paper than most other ministries, it was claimed in the Dáil today.
Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said that the 200-staff department was one of the smaller within the Government but it still produced 104 tonnes of waste paper - about half a tonne per person.
He said this compared unfavourably with the larger Transport Department at 45 tonnes or the Foreign Affairs Department at 27 tonnes.
"Other departments seem to be able to produce less. Is the Taoiseach going to indicate any improvements given that his level of waste is larger in proportion to other departments?" he asked.
Sinn Fein's Caoimhghin O Caolain said that the Taoiseach's department needed to take the lead on cutting down paper use and recycling more.
He called for Government reports to be published online on websites instead of distributing hard copies which were often dumped.
Mr Ahern replied that many reports go directly onto websites but admitted there was a long-standing tradition of circulating printed reports. He said that in future the Government may advertise in the national press that the reports are available by request.
The eCabinet system had reduced 5kgs of paper per minister since its introduction, he noted. "It is definitely having an impact," he added. Mr Ahern added that the Taoiseach's department was careful in disposing of obsolete computer equipment to charities where possible.
A total of 62 monitors, 42 PCs, 11 laptops, 12 printers and 47 keyboards, one scanner and two routers - was given to a recycling firm in 2004 that won a tender process. Mobile phones are given to Temple Street Hospital for charitable purposes.
A number of PC computers which could not be reused were disposed of to staff for a nominal fee while others were given to a charity, PCs for Africa or to school or community groups.
"We are continuously reviewing the amount of such waste that can be disposed of by recycling," he added.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny raised the issue of excessive packaging on products which also caused considerable waste.
Mr Ahern agreed: "Clearly, a huge amount of the refuse we see around the streets and outside shops and takeaways - it must be possible to reduce it." "There's miles too much packaging on most things. "It seems that you could cut huge quantities if you could find a way of dealing with the wrappings."
PA