Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Will the Taoiseach explain why the Government, and he as Taoiseach, is refusing to grasp the opportunity to save and create jobs in Carlow and other places around the country affected by the closure of the Carlow sugar factory? Why is he refusing to realise the potential of the biofuels sector? Does he understand why so many people such as farmers and economists are quite baffled at the Government's failure to seize the opportunity? This is an opportunity which is available to turn around a decline in agriculture as well as helping the lives of thousands of people affected by the Greencore decision. It could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The country spends €100 million a week on fuel imports. It could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the balance of payments. The country is currently paying approximately €35 million a year on carbon credits.

Is the Taoiseach aware of the EU directives since May 2003 which require Ireland to have a minimum of 2% of transport fuel sourced from biofuel by this year and 5.75% by 2010? Is he aware that other member states have worked and achieved considerable progress? Finland has granted a 100% exemption from CO2 tax to biofuel as has the Czech Republic on its use as motor fuel. Austria also operates a tax exemption for biofuels as has the UK with a 20% exemption per litre. Germany offers a full exemption on biofuels from 1 January, and there are also such exemptions in France and Italy. Why is Ireland dragging its feet on this matter?

In the words of the Government backbencher, Deputy Fiona O'Malley, Ireland is currently stuck at zero. This is an appalling indictment of the failure to realise a potential. We are not even asking for what was originally proposed but simply that best practice be followed. I note that today the Minister for Agriculture and Food is meeting the IFA president to discuss the Carlow sugar factory. Will the Taoiseach indicate that the Government has a plan for the biofuel sector? The Finance Bill makes no provisions in this regard. Will the Taoiseach at least say the Finance Bill will be amended to allow Ireland catch up on other countries which are streets ahead of us in this area?

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