Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Creed raised that issue and it was important that I give my view. I will come back to Deputy Creed in case I am inaccurate in any detail. I checked my information when we debated this previously. I understand that Greencore did some study on the possibility of starting a bioethanol facility. It stated at the time that this was not viable. The issue has to be addressed in the term used. From recollection there was out of quota sugar. The sugar quota regime issue would still come under the present regime. I will check my information and I will write to Deputy Creed on that specific issue. I am speaking from memory.

Deputy Creed made the point about renewable energy. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is the lead Department in this regard. Deputy Creed is familiar with the Food Harvest 2020 report in which we outlined a number of issues which we need to advance and which my Department will advance in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

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