Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)

I thank our witnesses for coming in today. I visited the Bia Energy plant in north Dublin and have seen how it works and the idea behind it, albeit on a larger scale. My first question is for Mr. Phelan. He spoke about the cost of these plants but at what point does Europe put its hand in its pocket to support us in reaching our targets? The Irish Government's 50% grant aid is significant.

Realistically, how many plants on the smaller scale do we need? This idea of paying fines and just flushing the money down the toilet does not make any sense. Obviously, even if a loan has to be got, it makes more sense to have infrastructure that will be left to stand the test of time than to flush money down the toilet. At some point, Governments will have to realise we are going to waste money. Do we not want to save it in the long run instead?

I have always said there should be more use of renewable energy. There should be solar panels on the top of Government buildings and every farmer should be given solar panels. Let the Government take the money back off them until their debt is paid off, and then the farmers can receive it. Is there something that could be done on the larger scale aspects? I refer to the money being paid back and whatever company is invested in it.

Turning to Mr. Gildea, I know a specific quantity of materials needed to go into the plant we were at in north Dublin. I cannot remember what the percentage was, but it was a certain percentage. Rubbish from Dublin was being used and whatever else. Certain amounts had to be used. If the mix was not right, the outcome would be different. It might be nutrient-dense or whatever. What kind of technology is used in Mr. Gildea's plant? Is it just a case of putting in the product, getting out whatever it is and spreading it or is it necessary to test the product that comes out to know how much nutrient is in it before it hits the ground? If there was a 50% grant, what kind of uptake might there be among farmers? Would we get to the target and is it realistic? How has Denmark become one of the best boys in the class? What kind of funding is available there? How did Denmark do what it has done and can we learn anything from it?