Dr. Frank O'Mara:

I thank the Deputy for the question. While the research has been limited, in the area of growing the crop I believe it is reasonably comprehensive. We know how to grow the crop. Of course one can always keep looking at new varieties or new plant protection products but I do not believe there is a huge gap in knowledge there around growing the crop

On the uses of the crop, the area we have not researched in the past was the use of the crop in the food industry.

The research we have under way at the moment is in that space. Perhaps Mr. Spink will wish to comment further on that. I will go back to the environmental question the Deputy asked. There is a bit of uncertainty around the level of carbon sequestration. Some research we have done suggests that is about the same as for grassland but that is really only half the answer to the question the Deputy asked. If we are to compare it with a livestock enterprise such as a beef or dairy farm, it must be remembered there is a lot of emissions from ruminant animals. A hectare of a beef enterprise's land will result in about 4 tonnes in emissions while a hectare of a dairy enterprise's land will result in 8 tonnes. A hectare of a tillage enterprise land will be responsible for very little emissions in comparison with animal enterprises.