Written Answers Nos. 748-750
748. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the new lactation consultants posts promised for 2022 has been filled; if those recruited have commenced employment in that role; the total number of publicly funded lactation consultants currently working by CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24926/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
749. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that fast-growing commercial forestry compares to mixed conservation forests or semi-natural forests in sequestering carbon over the next 100 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24772/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarbon sequestration by forests is influenced by a range of factors including species, soil type, site conditions and management practices. The rate of sequestration changes over time as a forest develops and matures. When forests are young the sequestration rate is low but as the trees mature their ability to sequester carbon dioxide as increases.
The mean annual sequestration rate of conifer tree species, such as sitka spruce, is 6.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare over two rotations. A broadleaf tree, such as oak, has a lower mean annual sequestration rate of 2.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare. Therefore, depending on the species composition of the forests the sequestration rate will vary over time. These annual rates are indicative over a 100 year time horizon and multiple rotations.
The Teagasc Forest Carbon Tool was developed by Teagasc with specialist input from Forest, Environmental Research & Services Ltd., to provide indicative carbon sequestration values associated with planting different tree species. This online tool is a user-friendly way to calculate how much carbon can be removed in woodlands and highlights the important role of harvested wood products. Further information can be found on Teagasc’s website.
750. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protocol that is in place for the re-use of computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded within his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department; his plans to ensure that this complies with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine adheres to the ISO27001 security protocol for the re-use of computer hardware.
Once the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022 act is finalised we will review in the context of alignment where applicable, in relation to computer hardware.
