John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

My Department and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources are quite confident that we will reach the targets laid down by the European Union. It is a matter under consideration by the bioenergy strategy group, which involves both Departments, and the renewable energy development group, in which my Department is involved.

There are a number of pilot schemes in operation around the country. The forest services are providing for a pilot project involving 47 hectares of short-rotation willow coppice. There is a rapeseed oil project in Wexford and a similar project in Wicklow. Another project involves the use of biofuels by 17 vehicles used by Cork County Council. We are all aware that section 50 of the Finance Act 2004 provides a relief from excise on biofuels where the Minister is satisfied that any biofuel is essential to a pilot project designed to produce biofuel or test the technical viability of biofuels.

This matter is being considered in Brussels at present and we are awaiting a response, which will probably be available very soon. The pilot projects being carried out are very welcome.

We are all very concerned about the closure of the sugar factory in Carlow. A number of Wexford farmers are considering the possibility of utilising beet as an alternative energy source. Their work is at a very early stage but may result in possibilities. Bearing in mind the existence of the strategy groups and the pilot schemes, the Deputy can rest assured that the Department is fully involved and will keep a watching brief on the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to ensure that we obtain a supply of alternative energy from crop-growing.

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