James Breen (Clare, Independent)

The issue of bio-fuels has been debated in the House several times in the past three years. Despite this, little positive action has been taken. Any measure that helps Ireland to come remotely close to its Kyoto commitments is welcome. However, despite agreeing with the motives behind this Bill, I fear it is technically flawed.

Section 2, dealing with definitions, states bio-fuel means any mineral oil which is produced from biomass and includes products manufactured or produced from seeds or plant materials. However, the definition of a mineral oil is oil derived from petroleum or petrochemicals. It would have been more correct to use the term hydrocarbon oil, not mineral oil, in this definition. In a later section, fuel oil is defined as heavy oil, the colour of which is darker than 8 on the colour index. That definition is outdated as the colour depends on the processing method that gives rise to the fuel oil.

The pace at which the Government has addressed the subject is alarming. In the past six months Ministers have found a greener conscience. This is merely to appease the electorate as we face into a general election with nothing concrete having been done. Last week the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, announced grants for the growing of miscanthus crops. While welcome, there is a need to expand on this and develop the link between agriculture and industry. Bio-fuel refineries should be built near hub towns and cities in areas where the growing of alternative crops can be maximised.

The past few months have seen many industries relocate abroad. Our soils and climate are ideal for the growing of alternative crops. In the long term this would reduce fuel costs and encourage manufacturers to remain. The weakness of the grant scheme announced by the Minister is that it ultimately benefits tillage farmers who have the best land. It is of little benefit to farmers in disadvantaged areas, like many of those on the western seaboard. Schemes that would encourage farmers to reclaim land for specific crop growth should be introduced immediately.

The speed at which the grant scheme was announced by the Minister is exemplified in the uncertainty regarding how those in receipt of REPS payments will be affected. Even the Minister is not clear on the effect as she stated she is reviewing the overall position in the context of preparations for the introduction of REPS 4.

Much has been made of trying to meet our EU requirements. The bio-fuels progress report shows that the bio-fuels share of our fuel consumption in 2005 had risen to 0.05%, not far short of the target of 0.06%. Why was the target set for Ireland, the lowest of those set for all EU member states? The reason we have failed so miserably in advancing alternative fuel crops is the lack of imagination, foresight and responsibility shown by the Government. Unfortunately, those characteristics are to be found across all the Departments of this Administration.

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