Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Other European countries can do it and we could do it too if the political will existed.

The Minister of State and the Minister are playing with words. We are prepared to amend the legislation to facilitate any nuances the Government might want but it is not prepared to do it. It is on a sticky wicket because it has come under pressure as a result of this legislation. That is why the Minister was forced on Monday to announce that the Government will introduce a bio-fuels obligation of 5.75% from 2009. Why not do it now? Other EU states have been blending for years but we cannot do it here.

The Minister said he will embark on extensive consultations but consultations have been ongoing for years. Farmers and processors involved in the sector are frustrated by the lethargic approach being taken by the Government, providing excise relief to only 16 companies, over half of which will import the bio-fuel while processors that were grant aided or secured excise relief in the first round that are producing bio-fuel have had that relief withdrawn. The largest processor in the country has never been given any support on excise relief by the Government. Why has that happened while we allow a situation where the majority of the bio-fuel will be imported?

For ten years the Government has kicked around the idea of an energy policy. Only when Fine Gael introduced its comprehensive energy policy did the Government respond. Only when Fine Gael introduced this Bill to allow the blending of bio-fuels with motor fuels did the Minister respond. We will not see the Minister's White Paper any time soon.

Fortunately for the public and the environment, the next policy proposal for the future development of sustainable energy in Ireland will be the responsibility of those on this side of the House. The public are sick and tired of this Government, which is constantly a step away from action and knee deep in consultants and reports. The Government is paralysed and the country and environment is suffering as a result. The proposals in the Bill are practical, feasible and will work as they have worked in other EU countries. On this side of the House, we are determined to implement these proposals after the next election.

I urge the Minister to re-examine the bio-fuel programme being operated in the Department. When Fine Gael announced it would introduce this Bill——

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