Mr. P.J. McCarthy:

I would like to address a couple of points. First, we have set out some fundamentals for the industry to give confidence to producers and end consumers of renewable gas. Approximately three years ago, we set out a European call on the design process for the green gas certification scheme, which involves a guarantee of origin. This is not available in the North. The sustainability of the production of biomethane has not been monitored in the North. The producers and the members of the farming community need to have certainty that there are clear guidelines. The certification scheme, which is designed around the RED II, is the first of its kind in Europe. We have gone for best practice. After we went to tender on foot of a European call, the contract was awarded to Dena and DBFZ, which are experts in this area of sustainability. They advise the European Commission. They are co-authors of some advisory and policy documents at European level.

From an Irish perspective, we have referred to best practices, best competencies and best expertise. Despite what we might think, we do not have that expertise in Ireland. We need to draw on the resources, expertise and competencies at European level. That is the only way we can get confidence. We are interested in building a robust and sustainable industry. All sectors can embrace the benefits and opportunities here. I refer specifically to the need to know what we are doing, and to know it is based on the best available technologies. We need to draw on the expertise of other member states across Europe, such as France, which have set out some key strategic enablers. Fundamentally, the establishment of a national co-ordination body is being promoted by the RGFI at present. This was highlighted in a recent KPMG report. We are engaging with Teagasc in a collaborative and consultative manner to look at assisting in the development of expertise and competencies. We are setting up the Teagasc range as a centre of excellence for the development of the best technology and the best advice. We are looking at facilitating that through the planning process. We are looking at the best routes for developing biomethane. The best pathway for those who are interested in developing the industry involves looking at the national strategic advisory body. The RGFI, along with Teagasc and GNI, is looking to step up to that.