Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I appreciate the Deputy's welcome for the flexibility that has come to bear on this issue. On willow, there is no doubt but that the lead-in period is a disincentive for people seeking a quick return, which miscanthus can represent. Given the three year cycle willow planting represents a difficulty arises for farmers in terms of pay-back. An issue that may perhaps need to be further promoted is that with willow comes other possible farmgate income, which working with local authorities, has shown to provide additional income for farmers. There may be a need to tweak the scheme to provide an extra incentive in respect of willow and a need to further communicate other income streams that willow may bring with it. In essence, the feedback we are receiving suggests the lead-in period is the reason more people are not taking up willow.

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