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

I thank the witnesses for attending. At this stage of the debate, most of the questions have been asked. The Chairman and Deputy Bruton asked the questions to which I was predominantly looking for answers. To recap, what are the best examples of jurisdictions that we can learn from? One of the key priorities for this committee is to learn about this process and its advantages in our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions. One of my main concerns in learning about anaerobic digestion in recent years has been the experience of Germany over the past decade or so, which saw the diversion of food crops to anaerobic digestion facilities. I do not believe that is still happening, but it begs the question as to what the critical mass for this sector is in Ireland.

My next question is on the technical side and may be best suited to Dr. Beausang. Are there different types of anaerobic digestion? Are there competing means of producing energy from biomass? If so, have studies been done on which would be the most appropriate for the Irish market?

I will next make a general comment rather than asking a specific question. It is clear that we need a policy to be produced on biomethane yesterday. We have been talking about it for the entirety of the current Dáil, whose term has been more than two years, and a number of years prior to that, yet we still do not have a policy. We are missing an opportunity. I would hate to see this being delayed further by a lack of policy production on the part of the State. It is incumbent on us as a committee to make that clear in any observation we make to the Department. If any witness wishes to make a comment on these remarks, please feel free to do so.