Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, dealing with this matter? He is. It is not that I would not deal with the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, but I doubt very much that there would be much growing of miscanthus in Dún Laoghaire. I am glad to see what I might term a rural Minister of State present.

I recently met a group of approximately nine or ten farmers who approached me about a particular problem. They had set up what one might call a co-operative. There are five of them in Ireland based on groups of farmers who a few years ago undertook to grow what was then termed the revolutionary crop, miscanthus, commonly known as the elephant plant, which is used to produce biomass. They had obtained assurances that the ESB power plant in Lanesboro would take what their crop. They set about growing it and I understand received some grants from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Some were successful and grew satisfactorily in line with what had been expected. However, some have not been successful whether through erroneous advice being given with regard to sprays, the soil or the climate at the time of planting. The mystery has not been solved, but they had received start-up grants for the planting and growth of miscanthus. Perhaps it is the size of the bulb that is the problem, since they have to import them from the UK, as they are not available locally.

In any event, those concerned want their efforts to be regarded, I believe quite properly, as experimental. They regard themselves as a group of pioneers doing experimental work, which if eventually proven to be successful all-round, will be a major boost for the energy market in Ireland. We googled some material today which indicated that miscanthus and real energy was what was described as "just hot air", and it is a matter of whether it can be successfully conducted in its growth patterns and in its outcome.

I had a few words earlier today with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food while we were voting, and asked him whether the Department would view the grants given as part of the experimental process whereby when a whole new regime of planting is introduced, such as the revolutionary crop of miscanthus, the growers should be regarded as pioneers in that sphere, with the grant being treated as part of the learning curve for present or future growers throughout the country, if it catches on sufficiently.

The Minister asked me whether they wanted to give up or stay with the project. Each of those I met wants to stay with the growing of miscanthus. They believe the way forward is in the growing of the crop. Once it is established and growing properly, there is no tending involved, and it will recreate for up to 20 years with little caring or disturbance. Well done to those whose crops have grown, but those who were not successful should be exempted from repaying the grants vouched to them by the Department. Perhaps they can now press on with their efforts based on the lessons they have learned along the way in growing this experimental crop. I hope the Minister of State will have something to say to me and I thank the Acting Chairman for allowing me to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht deis a thabhairt dom freagra a thabhairt ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo.

Miscanthus is a perennial species of grass, otherwise know as elephant grass, that can be used to produce green energy in the heat or electricity markets. The cultivation of miscanthus and willow is a relatively new activity on Irish farms. Potentially these crops can deliver positive outcomes in terms of reduced carbon dioxide emissions, better energy security and extra sources of income and employment for rural communities. They also provide opportunities for residue and waste utilisation as the resultant crops are for fuel rather than food.

In line with our commitments in the national bioenergy action plan, the Department introduced the bioenergy scheme on a pilot basis in 2007 to provide farmers with establishment grants to plant willow and miscanthus - both biomass crops - for use in the bioenergy market. Establishment grants are once off payments to cover up to 50% of the initial set-up costs including ground preparation, the purchase of planting stock and planting. The maximum grant payable was €l,450 per hectare. Grants were paid in two instalments - 75% following establishment of the crop and 25% in the year after establishment. The bioenergy scheme 2007-09 supported 364 farmers in the planting of 2,100 hectares of miscanthus and 360 hectares of willow to the end of 2009 at a cost of €2.9 million.

Applications for grant aid under the 2007-09 scheme were processed and checked for ownership or leasehold title, end-use contracts, verification of area, environmental and archaeological checks, ground suitability, etc. On-farm inspections were carried out on a percentage of applicants. Approvals were granted subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.

Eligibility for payment of first and second instalment grants depended on adherence to the scheme terms and conditions and also on the degree of satisfaction with crop establishment. Crop inspections were carried out on all applicants' lands eligible for payment of first instalment grants. The inspections were carried out to verify adherence to scheme conditions and the area planted and to ensure a satisfactory level of crop establishment. Where weaknesses in crop establishment were identified, payments were deferred and growers were advised in writing as to the necessary remedial work required for satisfactory establishment and that such work would be necessary to qualify for the establishment grant.

Following the first grant instalment inspection process, all applicants were advised in writing of the ongoing need to maintain and manage the miscanthus crop in accordance with best practice guidelines and to carry out any necessary management measures required to ensure full crop establishment. Years 1 and 2 are a critical phase in the establishment of miscanthus and the proper management of the crop during this period is essential to allow crops establish fully and to reach their full potential. Management measures in year 2 included the following: first year cut-back and continued measures for the control of grass and broad-leaved weeds; patch-planting and infilling where the crop is unlikely to increase in sufficient density to cover in any what are termed "sparse or gappy" areas; monitoring and taking the necessary control measures to prevent damage from rabbit grazing; and stockproofing.

First and second instalment grants were delayed if the criteria for crop establishment were not satisfied. The proper establishment of miscanthus is effectively a two-year process. There have been some difficulties at a number of sites due to a variety of factors including the inexperience of growers in establishing such a new crop, planting techniques, weed control and the quality of the rhizomes. A problem arose in the spring of 2009 in relation to some Miscanthus crops planted in 2008. Almost 50 growers were affected to some degree and some 200 hectares will require remedial work. The level of damage varied from moderate to severe in some cases where crops completely failed. The problem was due to the non-emergence of plants after the winter, ranging from as low as 5% non-emergence to almost complete non-emergence. Affected plants showed signs of growth below and just above ground in many cases but then just died off. A number of different factors may be at play, including a question as to the incorrect timing or inappropriate application of a herbicide for the control of weeds in the spring.

The Department met with growers' representatives and has agreed to defer inspections and payments for the affected crops until autumn 2010 following a commitment by the growers that these crops would be re-established in the spring of 2010. Progress on this issue is being monitored. It is not the case that the Department is demanding the return of grant-aid from the affected farmers. The matter is still under investigation.

It was evident from the response to the pilot scheme that there is considerable interest in growing miscanthus and to a lesser extent willow in Ireland. We have recently launched the new bioenergy scheme and the closing date for this scheme is 31 March 2010.

Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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That is clearly a very positive of answer and I am glad of that. I thank the Minister of State.