Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Biofuels definitely have a role to play. My Department very much acknowledges that. That we have biofuel obligations for petrol and diesel is evidence of that. However, it is important to state all fuels are not equally green. Wind energy and solar energy are 100% green. If green hydrogen can be produced, it would be 100% green too. Biofuels are often made from animal omissions, which means animals are needed. With more animals, one has to account for the impact. The use of agricultural land that could be used for food production for fuel production has an impact on the amount of food produced and, potentially, the cost of food. These approaches need to be considered in the round but I definitely agree biofuels are part of the solution. My Department has engaged with Liquid Gas Ireland on this. As we develop schemes and programmes to assist businesses to decarbonise, I believe that biofuels will be part of the mix.

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