Green Party leader and Minister of State for Food Trevor Sargent today picked up the keys to his eco-friendly ministerial car.
The Toyota Prius was bought in a charity auction on the eBay website and had previously been used by the former Green Party mayor of Galway Niall Ó Brolcháin.
At Government Buildings today, the Minister handed over a cheque for €7,000 to Mr O'Brolcháin. The money will go to 15 Galway charities.
"I am glad that the sale of this car is minimising the impact of CO2 emissions on the environment and is helping 15 charities picked by Cllr O Brolcháin at this year's mayoral ball," Mr Sargent said.
Mr Ó Brolcháin said he was delighted to see the car being used in another official capacity.
"It's important that the Green Party act on their beliefs and show that it is possible to make real changes to help the environment. This is one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market. I welcome that Minister Sargent has chosen to lead the way, and I would call on other Ministers in other departments to follow his decision."
Mr Ó Brolchain bought the Prius, which has a hybrid electric and petrol engine, for €29,900 last year. He turned down the traditional mayoral Jaguar in favour of the environmentally friendly car.