Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his answer. In his reply to a recent question he said the total contribution of biofuels to the transport sector is approximately 0.00002%. Will it not be an incredible challenge to meet the 2% target over the next few years and an even greater challenge to meet the EU target of 5.75% by 2010? Has the Government not had a deplorable record in this area?

The EU strategy presented on 8 February to which the Minister referred includes seven policy axes, one of which refers to possible mandatory targets for member states. Is it the Government's intention to pursue a policy that includes mandatory targets? On the forthcoming European Council does the Government have any views on the common energy policy for Europe? The fiscal reliefs mentioned by the Minister are welcome and I commend him on taking that step. The United Kingdom Government has introduced a renewable transport biofuels obligation which will demand that 5% of all petrol sold in the UK is biofuel-based. Has the Minister considered such an obligation?

Approximately one year ago I asked the Minister if he would lead by example and ask the Taoiseach to change the Government fleet to greener and more biofuel-oriented vehicles. This was asked later by another party. It was announced around the time I asked the question that the UK Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, had made a similar request to his Government and no less than eight Ministers abandoned their Rovers and Jaguars for high-tech and greener alternatives. Does the Irish Government intend to give up the Saabs, Mercedes and Volvos, transfer to biofuel or electric alternatives and lead by example——

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