JOHN Gormley thought he could reduce his carbon footprint by taking the ferry to Holyhead on his way to attending a conference in Hay-on-Wye, on the border between England and Wales. His bright idea did not work out very well for him -- or for Irish taxpayers.

To give the Environment Minister and Green leader his due, he was on important public business. Moreover, it is remarkably difficult to get from one end of Wales to the other on public transport. Nobody could blame him for travelling by limousine. But the limousine came from London, 300 miles from Holyhead. The driver took Mr Gormley to Hay-on-Wye and, after two days, back to Holyhead. The trip cost the taxpayers €2,200.

Mr Gormley's spokesman says that he knew nothing about the travel arrangements. The booking was made by the Irish embassy in London. Fair enough; but why all the extra, costly mileage? It must be possible to hire limousines in Holyhead or the immediate vicinity. And it may be remarked in passing that the extra miles can have done the minister's carbon footprint no good at all.

This item of news, coming as it does in the midst of the expenses scandal, should bring a couple of points to attention. It would be unreasonable to expect ministers to check every travel and accommodation arrangement made for them. It could be done by a small, centralised agency. And excellent deals can be found on the internet.