Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Does the Minister accept there is a need to bring about a significant cultural awareness of biofuel? Following the precedent she mentioned of woodchip installation in Johnstown, perhaps she would suggest at the Cabinet table that the ministerial cars be converted to biofuel or biodiesel or whatever might be feasible at the time. Does she accept that would be the strongest possible message to send out in the same way as we advocated using recycled products in Oireachtas stationery? It would also be a practical step to take.

Has the Minister met or does she intend to meet an entrepreneur or anybody else interested in taking up the opportunity for bioethanol production, particularly with the demise of the sugar beet industry in Carlow? Would she be open to such a meeting given that there are people who need the reassurance of a long-term commitment when it comes to such a capital investment as would be taken to instigate a bioethanol industry? Has she taken any steps to meet people in that regard?

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