Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have not read the report to which the Deputy refers but will have it examined. The European Commission strongly supports the use of these fuels and recently the commissioner with responsibility for this area highlighted the need to support bio-fuels because they are the most immediately feasible way of slowing the growth in greenhouse emissions in the transport sector and reducing our dependence on imported oil. The only alternative to bio-fuels is oil, which is a shrinking source of energy. Bio-fuels provide a development opportunity for poorer countries. However, I take the Deputy's point. Some years ago the concept that bio-fuels or energy crops might provide an alternative or supplementary source of income for farmers was fashionable in Irish agriculture circles. With rising grain prices people may return to greater production of grain, which they were getting out of, and getting out of tillage. That may change as the economics of food changes worldwide. I take Deputy Bruton's point that we must monitor this constantly and that what once looked like an excellent opportunity may not be as great as envisaged when circumstances change. I will have the matter examined.

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