Mr. Barry Caslin:

The research referred to by Professor O'Mara was with MEDITE SMARTPLY, Clonmel. It considered the use of hemp for MDF. It was quite a success, but there are competing sources of fibre. When we were considering hemp some years ago, we were doing so from an energy perspective. We were looking into mixing hemp with the likes of miscanthus or wood sawdust to make pellets for energy. In retrospect, it is a waste of very valuable material just to burn it as a pellet in a biomass boiler. We have heard a lot about the crop over recent years. There are so many options, from food and feed to fuel and fibre. Confidence will be so important. There are legislative issues. There is a lack of confidence among potential growers because they do not see the market at present.