Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

Yesterday the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, announced significant increases in the excise duty relief for the production of biofuels which is intended to boost the biofuel industry in the State. He also stated that this measure would require EU approval as a state aid. Does the Minister of State agree that the State should also request that the range of energy crops covered by production grants should include beet? The two areas most affected in two years' time will be Mallow and Carlow. Jobs have already been lost in Carlow and among those growing beet in the south east. Getting beet nominated as a source of biofuel would be a way to make a transition into biofuel production. I had other questions which were already asked by Deputy Naughten and answered by the Minister.

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