Mr. Ken Spratt:

A number of questions have been asked which we will try to respond to. On Deputy Mulherin's question in regard to indirect land use change and concerns around land use change from food to bio-fuel crop production, this is a matter dear to the heart of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, in particular as he chaired the Council of the European Union. It is an issue that arose throughout the Presidency. Given that Ireland was chairing the Presidency it had to take a neutral and a facilitative approach. However, the Minister has arranged for a UN expert to address the energy working group this week to ensure that the message of the impact of this gets through not only to the attachés but to the permanent representatives in Brussels. We will be wrapping up with a progress report on that particular legislative file. It has been a difficult issue. The matter raised by Deputy Mulherin has been to the fore of all Ministers' minds.

As things stand, some member states have invested heavily in infrastructure which would assist in the use of primary bio-fuels. The proposal is that this would be limited to 5% of the 10% target. In other words, only 5% from primary fuels would be allowed and there would be a greater focus on secondary bio-fuels, including from waste, straw and so on. It is hoped we have been able to steer this in a way that will address the concerns expressed by the Deputy and the Ministers at the Council of Ministers meeting.

On the fuel allowance, Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan suggested that a lump sum rather than drip by drip approach be taken in this regard. That is something that could come into the mix in discussions with the Department of Social Protection. The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, is very interested in teasing out with the Minister for Social Protection if there are better ways of spending the money currently being spent on the fuel allowance in order to facilitate greater energy efficiency. We have opened up dialogue in this regard with the Department of Social Protection.

Mr. Brian Carroll, who heads up our renewable energy division, will address the question about incentivisation of anaerobic digestion, which was raised by Deputy Luke 'Ming Flanagan and others. Dr. O'Connor will then try to address the question of energy efficiency and not just ticking the boxes.