Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I left the room, somebody made the point that in recent years since the original decision, the CRU has learned lessons. What exactly has been learned, and what comparable projects are there? Are there other large-scale combustion operations? It is my understanding that there are a number of countries where there are similar types of system but they are certified at 100%. I refer to a number of plants in France and the USA. How is the CRU different and what has it learned?

This is the first time we have received proper engagement or answers on the issue. We can get technical, and it is clear that the witnesses are technically-minded people. I understand that the CRU will meet with the company, which will have technically-minded people present, but the CRU can deal with that. I would like to speak about policy issues. I have copies of several reports, ranging from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's report on bioenergy supply in Ireland and a report from Nera Economic Consulting, to reports from Imperial College London and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Based on a decision of the US Environmental Protection Agency on 23 April 2018, forest-based biomass is treated as carbon neutral in the generation of electricity. There is a suggestion that biomass is out of favour. We are in a situation where there is no regulation change and it is virtually the same proposition. Ms MacEvilly referred to change but I understand that there will be a more indigenous biomass supply chain because an agreement has been entered into with Bord na Móna. There will not be, therefore, a large carbon footprint coming across the sea in the form of thinnings from the United States. More will be sourced locally and, in time, local farmers will grow willow. It is all part of the mix.

What has the CRU learned, and where can I or the company read about what it has learned? It seems that the goalposts have been moved.