Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I understand Ireland can take three specific measures in conjunction with the legislation to promote the indigenous bio-fuels industry. Different countries take different views on import tariffs, with Germany and Britain taking different approaches. Which country's approach does the Minister favour? The French have decided to ignore the issue of import tariffs by requiring localised production of bio-fuels before they can be used in the blending process. What is the Minister's view of the French position?

I understand it is possible to require that ethanol be of a certain quality before it can be blended. I refer to ethanol rather than bio-diesel because the former has been the subject of more discussion. Imposing such a quality standard would effectively preclude the use of sugar cane in the production of bioethanol. What is the Minister's view on having such a requirement?

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