Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Deputy O'Sullivan's amendment. It was around 18 months ago that we engaged in pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill. This committee spent a considerable period of time enhancing and improving that Bill and all of us are very proud of that legislation.

Within the debate that occurred, we had a brief discussion about anaerobic digestion. I recall distinctly the conversation as to its inclusion in the strategy, and also for further information for the Oireachtas to determine the appropriateness of and the number of such facilities that would constitute a maximum number. If one goes beyond that maximum number then one is generating products for the purposes of keeping the anaerobic digestion going, as opposed to disposing of non-disposable by-products. I am none the wiser at this stage some months later, apart from some independent research. It would be helpful if the Minister of State could give us his view on this particular suggestion from Deputy O'Sullivan. It is a worthy one, as it was worthy 18 months ago.