Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. I support the motion and welcome the Green Paper which lays downs all the road markings we require to follow for the White Paper. It is a pity the House may divide on the motion. The three pillars listed in the Green Paper are security of supply, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. We talk about the all-Ireland approach which is essential in this area.

The Cathaoirleach might remember that some time ago, I called for a debate on alternative land use. This is it whether we like it or not. On a number of occasions, I have referred to land for food and land for energy. Whatever route we go down in future, it will be based on what land can produce and what we can do with land. We can have wind energy and the sea can be used for wave energy. I congratulate University College Cork on the studies and research it has carried out and I hope it will bring them to a successful and speedy conclusion.

Since I have spoken about land use for food and energy, I wish to say the EU is wrong in regard to food and is also wrong in regard to energy. There is a total dependence on nuclear energy or gas from Russia. We are at that end of the line, so it is essential we establish a sustainable supply.

I welcome the fact anaerobic digestion has been mentioned in the Green Paper. I have referred to it over recent years with little or no support. People have done studies on it, including John Curtis of the Environmental Protection Agency in Wexford. He has conducted a detailed study on it and has referred to the benefits of it relative to the environment as well as agriculture.

I refer to miscanthus and short rotation coppice. That is a very good idea but it will need to be grant aided. I am somewhat doubtful about miscanthus and the amount of aid of it will require. However, if aid is provided, the best of luck to it. I call for the removal of excise duties on what we produce from the land.