Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

The Minister's colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, announced the introduction of bio-fuels schemes in 2007 at which time he promised there would be a period of consultation to be followed by the introduction of legislation. It is now mid-2008 and as of yet consultation has not taken place. Furthermore, we are still completely in the dark about the proposed legislation. Will the Minister clarify if at this late date there will be a consultation period and, more important, will legislation on this area be introduced shortly?

Some 16 companies in this sector have been granted permits for excise duty. Does the Minister consider that figure of 16 companies is adequate or should the number of such permits granted be increased to stimulate the bio-fuels industry?

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