Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his very nice reply. However, it does not add any insight into what is a central issue in energy policy worldwide. The impression one gets is that the Minister has run for cover. Perhaps he will elucidate in respect of his position on the Commission directive under discussion? Is he aware that already the environmental sub-committee of the European Parliament has rejected the Commission's view because of its concerns about the impact on the poor and starving in the world?

Will the Minister explain why he has delayed the publication of his bio-fuels obligation scheme, which he has promised many times but has delayed and about which he has kept us in the dark? Has there been any change to acknowledge the fact that we have a serious problem? Will he state what percentage of bio-fuels used in this country are imported? I have asked this question a number of times without getting an answer.

The Minister talks about sustainable principles, which is lovely talk, but how, particularly with regard to the WTO requirements, does he intend to ensure that we know the origin of the imports and whether they have been produced in a sustainable way? How will he do that?

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