Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

There is a need for joined-up thinking. The Minister of State referred to Medite. If he is not aware yet of concern he will be in the next few days following the announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about the tariff payable on energy generated from biomass. Coillte is concerned that the thinnings, and for want of a better term the tops and tails of the forestry product, which is now winding its way to Medite may well be redirected into bio-mass, in particular as a replacement fuel in peat burning stations. That has real consequences for the long-term viability of the plant in Clonmel. The law of unintended consequences applies in this case. I urge the Minister of State to be aware of that and to consult with Coillte. It was important that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, made the announcement as we needed an incentive in that regard but this was an unintended consequence and the Department should be aware of the need to address it.

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