Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I accept that a marketing exercise will have to be undertaken. However, a great deal of micromarketing is taking place in various regions - Limerick and east Cork are two examples of which I am aware - in respect of certain sectors. Those involved in the industry have informed me that if the start-up grant paid to farmers is increased, and if a proper education process to accompany this is put in place, this will be of major assistance to local or micromarketing initiatives.

With respect, we should not discuss this matter in an aspirational way. Let us put our money where our mouth is and invest in the industry. Miscanthus is both a carbon offset plant and a fuel source and it offers massive potential. We should display a great deal more urgency in the context of how we promote the growing of this plant.

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