Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The answer to Deputy Moynihan's question is "Yes". The possible synergies between the two companies are being explored. It would be premature to state that final conclusions have yet been reached but I think I could also speak for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in that we are probably agreed that the mooted privatisation of Coillte looks more unlikely every day.

A protest in this regard over the weekend was covered in the media. We are ad idemon this issue, but it is premature to draw any conclusion. The prospect of the two companies being used to create a serious bioenergy company is something with which we need to persist. There are definite possibilities there.

Deputy Naughten's convenient summary of poor people's food being sacrificed for rich people's fuel is a phrase I will remember in my discussions in Europe. This is a central feature of the debate and ongoing discussion. I have met representatives of the NGOs who have elaborated on the arguments Deputy Naughten has made and they seem to make a great deal of sense. In discussions in Europe, while I have represented the views of the NGOs, I do not believe I have expressed it in terms of banning grain in the granular way that Deputy Naughten has expressed it. However, it probably comes back to the same thing. Where there is arable land that is capable of producing the raw material for food or where there is land that is capable of being made arable to produce food, is that the best use for it? In fairness to colleagues, I have to say that is well represented in the Council of Europe.

I will take up the point Deputy Colreavy raised. Based on my meetings with biomass companies, I understand they are satisfied with the REFIT 3 scheme and that is not the impediment. I will be happy to raise the particular point he raised about the price of connection to the grid this very day.

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